Rajgir: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has officially arrived in Gaya, marking the commencement of the first international hockey tournament ever hosted in the state. The Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 is set to unfold from 11 to 20 November, featuring a competitive lineup that includes defending champions India and the silver medallists from the Paris Olympics, China, alongside teams from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. The tournament will take place in the historic and picturesque town of Rajgir.
Under the leadership of Captain Salima Tete and Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur, India will kick off their campaign against Malaysia on 11th November, followed by a match against Korea on 12th November. After a day of rest, the team will face Thailand on 14th November, before taking on the formidable Chinese team on 16th November. India will conclude the pool stage with a crucial match against Japan on 17th November.
Upon arrival, Captain Salima Tete expressed confidence in her team’s preparation, stating, “We have been training rigorously at SAI Bengaluru for the Asian Champions Trophy. In previous matches, we faced challenges in the final third of the pitch, so we have focused significantly on improving in that area. We will take it match by match and aim to perform well in each one; every team poses a different challenge, and we won’t take any opponent lightly. This is the first time we’re playing international hockey in Bihar, and we hope to inspire all the girls in the region with our performances. We’ve prepared well, and we’re confident our hard work will show on the turf.”
To advance to the semi-finals on 19 November, India must secure a top-four finish among the six competing teams. The winners of the semi-finals will progress to the Final, scheduled for 20 November. This tournament also marks the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s first Asian competition under Chief Coach Harendra Singh, who assumed his role earlier this year.
“International matches will be held in Bihar for the first time at the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. I would like to thank the Bihar government, Hockey India, and all hockey fans for helping bring international matches to the state. Each team will come with the goal of winning the trophy, and we have spent the last five months preparing with the Asian Champions Trophy in mind. We identified areas for improvement, such as combinations and decision-making in the shooting circle, and have worked on them. I am confident that hockey fans will witness a new side of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team this time, and they won’t be disappointed,” added Chief Coach Harendra Singh.
India will open their Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 campaign against Malaysia on 11th November at 7:30 PM IST, marking a historic moment for hockey in the region.
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