FIH Pro League: On 5th February 2024, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team arrived in Bhubaneswar to commence their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 campaign. After narrowly missing the podium last season, ranking fourth behind the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Belgium, the team is geared up for the upcoming season.
The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men) is set to unfold at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from 10th to 16th February, then moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from 19th to 25th February. Five national teams – Ireland, The Netherlands, India, Spain, and Australia – will compete in the India leg, facing off in both Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
India’s journey begins with a match against Spain on 10 February, followed by a clash with the top-ranked Netherlands on 11 February. After a break, they will face Australia on 15 February and conclude the Bhubaneswar leg against Ireland on 16 February.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh highlighted the team’s preparations, stating, “Coming off a successful South Africa tour against France, South Africa, and the Netherlands, we are entering the Pro League in prime form. With some new faces in the squad, it’s a great opportunity for them to adapt to the play style of top international teams. Winning the Pro League holds significance for direct qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and is crucial in our build-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.”