The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to embark on their campaign in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24. Savita, the team’s longstanding custodian, will continue to lead the squad as Captain, with Vandana Katariya serving as her deputy.
The upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Women) is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 3rd to 9th February, and will then move to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela where the league will continue from 12th to 18th February. The participating teams in the India leg of the FIH Pro League 2023/24 include India, China, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and Australia. They will compete against each other once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela.
India’s first match will be against reigning Asian Games Champions, China, on 3rd February, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on 4th February. They will then face off against Australia on 7th February before playing their final game in Bhubaneswar against the United States on 9th February.
This is the Indian Women’s Team’s second appearance in the FIH Hockey Pro League, following their debut in the 2021/22 season where they achieved a commendable third-place finish. In the previous year, India secured their spot in the FIH Pro League 2023/24 after defeating Spain 1-0 in the Final of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022.
Chief Coach Janneke Schopman emphasized the significance of the FIH Hockey Pro League, stating, “As the team continues to improve it is imperative that we give our best in the FIH Pro League and use this opportunity to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the world. The FIH Pro League will be a great platform for some of the youngsters in the squad to acquaint themselves with the demands of international hockey and further hone their skills. This season we will also have the chance to secure qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, so the team is prepared to give it their all from the first match.”
The anticipation is high as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team gears up for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, showcasing their determination to excel on the international stage.