Having failed to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games to be held later this year, the Indian women's hockey team will try to salvage some pride during the first cluster of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 starting at the Kalinga Stadium here on February 3.
The Indian team touched down at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Sunday to kick off their campaign in this cluster at the Kalinga Stadium and Rourkela. Long-standing custodian Savita will continue to lead the squad as captain while forward Vandana Katariya, who returns to the squad after recuperating from an injury, will serve as her deputy.
The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Women) is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 3 to 9, before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, where the league will be held from February 12 to 18.
Besides India, four more national teams China, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and Australia -– will participate in this leg of the FIH Pro League 2023/24, facing each other once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela.
India will take on reigning Asian Games champions China in their first game on February 3, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on February 4. They will face off against Australia on Feb 7 before playing their last game in Bhubaneswar against the United States on Feb 9.
The women’s team is competing in the FIH Hockey Pro League for the second time. Indian women's team’s first appearance in the FIH Hockey Pro League was during the 2021/22 season when it finished third. Last year, India defeated Spain 1-0 in the final of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup Spain 2022 to secure their spot in the FIH Pro League 2023/24.
Speaking on the importance of the FIH Hockey Pro League, chief coach Janneke Schopman said, “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,” she said.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Tripura CM stresses promoting NE states' potential to attract investment
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.
Tripura has 94,723 Lakhpati Didis; 93,425 women to get similar status soon: Minister
Among the 4,75,582 Self Help Group (SHGs) members in Tripura, 94,723 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units and 93,425 more women would be ‘Lakhpati Didis’ soon, Social Welfare and Labour Minister Tinku Roy said.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.