Bengaluru: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team departed from Kempegowda International Airport on Friday morning, embarking on their journey to Brussels via London for the European segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24. This leg of the league will see matches in Belgium and England, with Antwerp hosting from May 22nd to May 26th and London from June 1st to June 9th.
During this phase, the Indian team will compete against Argentina, Belgium, Great Britain, and Germany, playing each team twice. The team currently holds the sixth spot on the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 points table, with eight points from eight matches.
Salima Tete, honored with the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year 2023 in the Women’s category, will captain the team. Midfielder Navneet Kaur will serve as her deputy.
The team has been rigorously preparing for the league with intensive training sessions and a friendly six-match series against South Africa in SAI Bengaluru from May 3rd to 11th. The series started with India showcasing dominance, winning the first three matches with scores of 1-0, 5-1, and 3-1. However, South Africa mounted a strong comeback, winning the fourth match in a shootout [2-2 (4-2 SO)] and the fifth match [1-1 (3-1 SO)]. India clinched the final game with a 4-3 victory in the shootout following a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time.
“As the Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, it’s a great honor to lead our talented squad into the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League. We are determined to showcase our best performances and make our nation proud on the international stage. The recent series against South Africa has taught us valuable lessons, and we are eager to apply them as we face formidable opponents in Europe. With teamwork, dedication, and a fighting spirit, we aim to leave a mark in every match we play,” said Salima Tete before departing.
Navneet Kaur echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Being appointed as the Vice-Captain is both a privilege and a responsibility. Alongside our Captain, Salima Tete, I am committed to supporting and motivating our team members to give their all in every game. The recent series against South Africa showcased our resilience and determination, and we carry that momentum into the upcoming challenges in Europe. Together, we strive to achieve our collective goals and bring glory to Indian hockey.”
India will take on Argentina on May 22nd at 15:45 IST in their first match of the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24.