~Salima Tete will lead the Indian group, whereas Navneet Kaur would be the Vice-Captain~
Bengaluru, seventeenth Might 2024: The Indian Ladies’s Hockey Staff launched into their journey from Kempegowda Worldwide Airport on Friday morning, certain for Brussels through London, marking the start of their participation within the European phase of the FIH Hockey Professional League 2023-24. This leg of the league will unfold in Belgium and England, with Antwerp internet hosting the matches from Might twenty second to Might twenty sixth, and London taking up from June 1st to June ninth.
Throughout this part, India will face Argentina, Belgium, Nice Britain, and Germany twice every. Presently, the group occupies the sixth spot on the FIH Hockey Professional League 2023-24 factors desk, having amassed eight factors from eight matches.
Salima Tete, recipient of the esteemed Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Participant of The Yr 2023 within the Ladies’s class on the sixth Hockey India Annual Awards, will lead the Indian group, with midfielder Navneet Kaur serving as her deputy.
Preparations have been intense, with the group present process rigorous coaching periods and fascinating in a pleasant six-match sequence in opposition to South Africa in SAI Bengaluru, which passed off from third to eleventh Might. The preliminary three matches showcased India’s dominance, clinching victories with scores of 1-0, 5-1, and 3-1 respectively. Nevertheless, South Africa mounted a robust comeback, securing wins within the fourth [2-2 (2-4 SO)] and fifth [1-1 (3-1 SO)] matches. Within the sequence’ final sport, India emerged triumphant with a 4-3 victory within the shootout following a 1-1 tie on the finish of regulation time.
“Because the Captain of the Indian Ladies’s Hockey Staff, it’s an awesome honour to steer our proficient squad into the European leg of the FIH Hockey Professional League. We’re decided to showcase our greatest performances and make our nation proud on the worldwide stage. The latest sequence in opposition to South Africa has taught us precious classes, and we’re wanting to apply them as we face formidable opponents in Europe. With teamwork, dedication, and a combating spirit, we goal to depart a mark in each match we play,” mentioned Salima Tete earlier than departing for the FIH Professional League 2023-24.
Navneet Kaur additionally echoed the identical sentiments and mentioned, “Being appointed because the Vice-Captain is each a privilege and a accountability. Alongside our Captain, Salima Tete, I’m dedicated to supporting and motivating our group members to present their all in each sport. The latest sequence in opposition to South Africa showcased our resilience and willpower, and we feature that momentum into the upcoming challenges in Europe. Collectively, we try to realize our collective targets and convey glory to Indian hockey.”
India will tackle Argentina on twenty second Might at 15:45hrs IST of their first match of the European leg of FIH Hockey Professional League 2023-24.
