Bhubaneswar: Excitement reverberates through the air as the China Women’s Hockey Team touched down at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, this morning, primed and ready for the highly anticipated FIH Pro League 2023/24. The team’s arrival was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the stage for an unforgettable showcase of talent in the upcoming tournament.
The FIH Pro League 2023/24 (Women) is slated to unfold at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 3rd to 9th, 2024, before making its way to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, continuing the action from February 12th to 18th. A total of five powerhouse teams—India, China, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and Australia—will engage in fierce competition, facing off against each other in both Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Despite China’s Women’s Hockey Team having consistently asserted dominance in the Asian hockey circuit, their past performances in the FIH Pro League have seen them finish no higher than seventh. However, the team enters the tournament riding high on the wave of a remarkable Gold medal victory at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, a triumph that also secured their qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With their eyes set on global recognition, the team is eager to showcase their remarkable prowess and skill in the FIH Pro League 2023/24.
China’s journey in the league kicks off with a high-stakes match against India on 3rd February, followed by a clash with Australia on 4th February. After a day of rest, the team will face off against the Netherlands on 6th February, and their last game of the Bhubaneswar leg will see them take on the United States of America on 7th February.
Expressing her thoughts on the team’s arrival, China Coach Alyson Annan stated, “We’ve engaged in extensive training sessions with a sizable pool of players, ultimately narrowing down to our final squad of 26 for the FIH Pro League 2023/24. This tournament serves as a litmus test for our team’s capabilities, offering a valuable gauge of our standing on the global platform.”
“Beyond its significance as a competitive event, the league holds particular importance in our preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It presents a vital opportunity for our emerging talents to gain international exposure and experiment with innovative tactics. Additionally, the competition serves as a platform to evaluate the performances of other international teams and assess our readiness against them,” she added.
As the stage is set for an exhilarating display of hockey prowess, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela brace themselves for a week of intense competition, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments at the FIH Pro League 2023/24. The eyes of the hockey world are firmly fixed on Odisha as the teams gear up for a tournament that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
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