Women's FIH Pro League: India Return To Action After Olympic Qualifiers Setback

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After the disheartening Hockey Olympic qualifiers in Ranchi, where the India women's hockey team faced the setback of not securing their ticket for the Paris Olympics, they now return with renewed determination.

Embarking on a fresh journey, India is set to compete in the Women's FIH Pro League 2023-24, happening on February 3 in the vibrant surroundings of Odisha. The Indian women's team is back in action for the Pro League after winning the FIH Women's Nations Cup.

The hosts will take on teams like the USA, Netherlands, China, and Australia during the India leg of the Women's FIH Pro League. India will play their first match against the reigning Asian Games champions China on February 3, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on 4th February.

They will face off against Australia on February 7 before playing their last game in Bhubaneswar against the United States on February 9. The matches will be held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar and Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.

The opening matches of Women's FIH Pro League India leg will kick off in Bhubaneshwar, where the USA will face the Netherlands. Then, the teams will meet again in Rourkela from February 12 to 18 for the return matches.

Former Indian women's hockey team captain Pritam Rani Siwach, in an exclusive conversation with myKhel, shared her insights on the Indian team's preparation. "The Pro League presents a great opportunity for players, and I believe the Indian team should consider trying out new players in the Pro League," she said.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medalist further highlighted the significance of the Pro League matches as practice sessions, stating, " It serves as a series of practice matches, providing valuable exposure and a platform to discover new talents."

The league began in Argentina on December 6. The Netherlands are leading the points table after winning all four of their previous matches. Indian star forward Vandana Katariya is now back in the team after recovering from an injury. Vandana, who suffered a cheekbone fracture, resumes her role as vice-captain after missing the Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi last month.

FIH Women's Pro League: Indian squad

GOALKEEPERS: Savita Punia (C), and Bichu Devi Kharibam; DEFENDERS: Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, and Jyoti Chhatri; MIDFIELDERS: Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, and Sunelita Toppo; FORWARDS: Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya (VC), and Sharmila Devi.