The Indian Women's Hockey squad has arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to begin their training regimen for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24. Savita remains the team's captain and primary goalkeeper, while the veteran forward Vandana Katariya serves as her deputy.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to begin training for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 season. Long-time custodian Savita will continue to lead the Women in Blue as Captain, while senior forward player Vandana Katariya will serve as her deputy.
The women's FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 will be hosted first at Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium from February 3 to 9, and subsequently at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 12 to 18. The Indian leg features five competing nations: India, Australia, the Netherlands, China, and the USA, with each team playing two matches against every opponent—one in each city.
India kicks off their journey on Saturday, February 3, facing China, the reigning Asian Games titleholders, and then takes on the Netherlands on Sunday, February 4. Having suffered a crushing 7-2 loss to the Dutch in the FIH Hockey5s World Cup final, the Indian side is motivated to showcase their full athletic potential and skill to turn the tide. The team will then face Australia on Wednesday, February 7, and wrap up their Bhubaneswar matches against the USA on Friday, February 9.
This marks the second time the Indian women's team is competing in the FIH Hockey Pro League. They first entered the competition during the 2021-22 season, where they secured a third-place finish. Their return to the league was earned last year after a decisive 1-0 victory over Spain in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup final.
Commenting on the tournament's significance, head coach Janneke Schopman emphasized that as the team evolves, it is crucial to perform at their peak and use the Pro League to measure themselves against the world's elite. The former Dutch defender noted that the competition serves as an ideal environment for the squad's younger players to adapt to the intensity of international hockey and refine their game.
Schopman added that since this season also provides a pathway to qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, the team is fully committed to giving their maximum effort from the very first whistle.