In a spirited move towards the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, captained by Savita and vice-captained by Vandana Katariya, is set to showcase their prowess on the global stage. The team’s journey to the prestigious league follows their remarkable gold medal victory at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022.
Reflecting on their last appearance in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22, where they secured a commendable third position behind powerhouses Argentina and the Netherlands, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman shared her excitement about returning to the league. “It’s great to be back in Odisha, everyone here is supportive of hockey, and we want to do our best here,” she expressed.
The upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 is scheduled to kick off at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 3rd to 9th February, later moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, continuing from 12th to 18th February. The participating nations include India, China, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and Australia.
India’s challenging journey in the league begins with a face-off against reigning Asian Games Champions China on 3rd February, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on 4th February. The team will then take on Australia on 7th February before concluding their matches in Bhubaneswar against the United States on 9th February.
Coach Janneke emphasized the significance of the league, stating, “The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 is exciting as we have the opportunity to see how we fare against some of the best teams in the world.” She highlighted the uniqueness of the matches, emphasizing that they are not mere practice games but crucial encounters for the opposing teams gearing up for the Olympics.
Speaking about the team’s aspirations, Janneke added, “We want to show up here, fight hard, and display our strengths. Every individual has to bring their unique skills to the table. We want to challenge whoever we are playing. Every other team here is going to the Olympics, but I think we can compete with them.”
As the Indian Women’s Hockey Team embarks on this thrilling journey, the stage is set for intense matches and a display of determination, skill, and team spirit in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24.
The Sportz Planet Desk
