The Indian Men’s Hockey Team has landed in Bhubaneswar, marking the commencement of their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 campaign. Eager to improve on their fourth-place finish from the previous season, the team eyes a podium finish in the upcoming league.
The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men) is set to unfold at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 10th to 16th, followed by matches at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 19th to 25th. This leg of the tournament will witness five formidable national teams – Ireland, The Netherlands, India, Spain, and Australia – competing against each other, once in Bhubaneswar and once in Rourkela.
India’s campaign kicks off with a face-off against Spain on February 10th, followed by a challenging clash against the top-ranked Netherlands on February 11th. After a brief hiatus, the team resumes action against Australia on February 15th and concludes the Bhubaneswar leg against Ireland on February 16th.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh shed light on the team’s preparations, emphasizing the recent successful tour in South Africa, where they faced France, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Singh highlighted the inclusion of young players in the squad, providing them with a valuable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the playstyles of top-tier teams.
Expressing the team’s serious approach to the FIH Hockey Pro League, Singh stated that winning the league holds significant implications, offering direct qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Additionally, these matches serve as crucial preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team is geared up for intense competition, aiming for a stellar performance in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 as they strive for both immediate success and long-term goals on the global stage. The league promises riveting hockey action and strategic battles among the world’s best teams.