Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024: Vandana Katariya Ruled Out With Injury; Hockey India Name Replacement

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Indian women's hockey team suffered a setback before the Hockey Olympic Qualifiers could get underway in Ranchi as their vice-captain and potent goalscorer Vandana Katariya is ruled out of the tournament with a fractured cheekbone.

Vandana, who was named the vice-captain for the tournament starting on January 13, will be replaced by youngster Baljeet Kaur. Nikki Pradhan, the first women's hockey player from Jharkhand to represent India in the Olympic Games in 2016, will now be the vice-captain of the team.

"It's unfortunate that Vandana won't be part of the tournament. She sustained a fracture in her cheekbone during a training session, and she has been advised to rest," chief coach Janneke Schopman said.

"While we will miss the experience of Vandana, Baljeet Kaur who has been doing well for the team will step in for her senior compatriot and Nikki, also a very experienced player for India, will shoulder the responsibility of vice captain," she said after the Indian team arrived here for the tournament.

The Indian team will play the United States on January 13 to start their campaign, with seasoned goalkeeper Savita Punia leading the way. The Indian team is attempting to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games through this qualification competition after failing to get a direct Olympic berth at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. The top three teams in the competition will earn a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

The Indian team faces New Zealand on January 14 in its second Pool B match, before taking on Italy on January 16. The knockout matches will be held on January 18 and 19 respectively. The other teams in the fray include Olympic silver medallists Germany, former Asian Games champions Japan, Chile and the Czech Republic in Pool A. All the matches will be played at the Jaipal Singh Stadium.

Another Olympic Qualifier tournament will be played in Valencia during the same period with Great Britain, Belgium, Spain among other nations competing.