Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes that the FIH Pro League will be instrumental in gauging his team’s standing ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He expressed his excitement about the exposure that the team will receive during this tournament, which will play a crucial role in their preparations for the upcoming games.
The Indian Men and Women’s Hockey Teams are excited about the upcoming FIH Pro League Season 5, following the announcement of the tournament’s calendar for 2023-24 by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). They see this outing as an opportunity to assess their performance against top teams and make necessary improvements to their game.
Harmanpreet Singh mentioned that the matches in the FIH Pro League will provide valuable insights into where the team stands ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Olympics in 2024.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will kick off their campaign with home games at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The Indian Men’s Hockey Team will face Spain in their first match on February 10, 2024, while the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on China on February 6, 2024.
Reflecting on their performance in the previous season of the FIH Pro League, where they finished fourth overall, the Indian Men’s team is determined to improve and secure a podium finish in the upcoming season. Harmanpreet Singh expressed his optimism about facing strong teams like Spain, Netherlands, Australia, and Ireland at home. The team is keen to replicate their undefeated run in Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, and deliver an exceptional performance across all venues.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team is equally thrilled about their participation in the FIH Pro League. After being promoted to this edition following their victory in the FIH Nations League, they aim to compete against the top-ranked teams in the world. Captain Savita believes that these matches will serve as a litmus test for the team and an opportunity to elevate their gameplay ahead of the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The FIH Pro League offers a perfect platform for both the men’s and women’s teams to assess their performance on an international stage and strategize their preparations accordingly. The exposure gained from competing against strong teams will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments in their gameplay.
As the Indian teams gear up for the FIH Pro League, they are eager to showcase their talent and skill to the world. The matches will not only be an opportunity to prove their mettle but also a chance to solidify their positions in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.
The journey begins with the Indian Men’s Hockey Team taking on Spain and the Indian Women’s Hockey Team facing China in their opening matches. The ensuing games against formidable opponents like Netherlands, Australia, USA, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain will surely test the teams’ resilience and determination.
Overall, the FIH Pro League Season 5 will be a crucial phase for the Indian Men and Women’s Hockey Teams. Their performances will provide valuable insight into their readiness for the 2024 Olympics, while the exposure gained from competing against top teams will contribute to their growth and development in the sport. The teams are looking forward to embracing the challenges that lie ahead and making India proud on the international stage.
