The highly anticipated FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 is on the cusp of commencing in Bhubaneswar, and the Australian men’s hockey team has arrived to participate in this much-awaited event. The tournament is set to transpire at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium from 10th to 16th February, before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, where the league will continue from 19th to 25th February.
This exhilarating competition will showcase five national teams – Ireland, The Netherlands, India, Spain, and Australia – who will compete against each other once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela. The Australian team’s debut will be against Spain on 11th February, followed by a match against Ireland on 13th February. Subsequently, the team will go head to head against hosts India on 15th February and the Netherlands on 16th February to conclude the Bhubaneswar leg.
Emphasizing the significance of the Pro League as pivotal preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, goalkeeper Andrew Charter conveyed, “Preparations have been rigorous, with a strong emphasis on conditioning. After a brief hiatus over the Christmas period, we are entering the competition with great confidence. This mini-tournament holds immense value for us, particularly in view of the Paris 2024 Olympics; our objective is to utilize this opportunity to refine our strategies, trial new approaches, and provide valuable experience to our younger team members. Therefore, this event holds immense importance for us, and we are according it priority.”
Charter also acknowledged the formidable competition, particularly highlighting the strength of the Netherlands as opponents and underscoring the challenges of contending against India with the support of the home crowd in Bhubaneswar.
In the previous campaign, the Australian men’s team concluded in 7th place with a total of 19 points. This year, the team is poised to make a substantial impact and exhibit their prowess on the global stage.
Enthusiasts of the sport can catch all the action of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 on JioCinema, where the matches will be streamed live. Moreover, the matches in India can be viewed on Sports18 – Khel, offering a thrilling viewing experience for hockey aficionados.
With excitement mounting, the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 pledges to be a gripping event, and the Australian men’s hockey team is prepared to exhibit their exceptional talent and sportsmanship, captivating audiences with their A-game.