Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Preview: Venue, Fixture, Streaming Details, and Indian Women Team's Road to Fresh Start on Home Soil

After a challenging season, the Indian women's hockey team is gearing up for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) 2024 with hopes of defending its title. Following a difficult year, marked by a failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics and a series of disappointing FIH Pro League performances, India is determined to turn a new leaf.

Under the captaincy of Salima Tete, a dynamic young midfielder, and new head coach Harendra Singh, the team sees the ACT as a chance to begin the journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. India, ranked ninth globally, will play its opening match against Malaysia on November 11 at the newly-built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.

indian-womens-hockey-team-600-1731229868 — Indian Women's Hockey Team (Photo: X/@TheHockeyIndia)

Alongside India, teams from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand will compete for the trophy. China, who recently defeated India 4-0 en route to the Asian Games 2023 title, poses a formidable challenge, as do the highly-ranked Japan and South Korea, the tournament's most successful team with three titles.

Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Complete Fixture

Date	Match	Time (IST)	Round
November 11	Japan vs. Korea	12:15	Pool Stage
November 11	China vs. Thailand	14:30	Pool Stage
November 11	India vs. Malaysia	16:45	Pool Stage
November 12	Thailand vs. Japan	12:15	Pool Stage
November 12	China vs. Malaysia	14:30	Pool Stage
November 12	India vs. Korea	16:45	Pool Stage
November 14	Korea vs. Malaysia	12:15	Pool Stage
November 14	Japan vs. China	14:30	Pool Stage
November 14	Thailand vs. India	16:45	Pool Stage
November 16	Malaysia vs. Japan	12:15	Pool Stage
November 16	Korea vs. Thailand	14:30	Pool Stage
November 16	India vs. China	16:45	Pool Stage
November 17	Malaysia vs. Thailand	12:15	Pool Stage
November 17	China vs. Korea	14:30	Pool Stage
November 17	Japan vs. India	16:45	Pool Stage
November 19	5th in Pool vs. 6th in Pool	11:45	Knockout
November 19	Semifinal 1 (2nd in Pool vs. 3rd)	14:15	Semi-final
November 19	Semifinal 2 (1st in Pool vs. 4th)	16:45	Semi-final
November 20	3rd Place Match	14:15	Bronze Medal
November 20	Final (Semifinal 1 Winner vs. Semifinal 2 Winner)	16:45	Final

Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Timings Changed to Avoid Disruptions Caused by Insect Infestation

Where to Watch the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024

Hockey fans across India can watch live coverage of the ACT 2024 on Sony Sports Ten 1 and DD Sports channels. Additionally, live streaming will be available on SonyLIV, making it easy for supporters to follow India's journey throughout the tournament.

Venue: The Rajgir Hockey Stadium

The ACT 2024 will unfold at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, hosting its first international tournament since recent renovations. This marks the second time India has hosted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy, with Ranchi as the previous venue in 2023, where India clinched its second ACT title.

To avoid potential issues with floodlights and insect infestations, matches have been rescheduled to earlier in the day. With its strategic central location, the Rajgir Hockey Stadium is expected to draw substantial fan support for the Indian team.

Road Ahead for the Indian Team

Aiming to leave behind a disappointing season, the Indian team fields a balanced squad, blending young talents and experienced players. Forward Navneet Kaur serves as Salima Tete's deputy, while seasoned players like Sushila Chanu and former captain Savita Punia bolster the team's resilience.

Coach Harendra Singh has emphasized fitness as a priority, with Salima acknowledging that improved fitness and mental strength are essential for competing at a high level. With a renewed focus, the Indian team is set to defend its title on home soil, aiming to secure a strong start in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 and rekindle its Olympic dreams.