The Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to conclude the Rourkela leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 with two crucial matches against Australia and the United States of America on February 17 and 18, respectively, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
Having faced challenges in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, India endured four losses in five matches. The journey included a 1-2 defeat against China, followed by losses to the Netherlands (1-3) and Australia (0-3). However, India secured a 3-1 victory against the United States in their final match of the Bhubaneswar leg.
In the opening match of the Rourkela leg, India initially took the lead against China but faced a comeback, resulting in a 2-1 loss. Subsequently, the team suffered a 0-1 defeat against the Netherlands.
Captain Savita Punia expressed determination ahead of the Australia clash, stating, “We lost the last encounter against Australia, but we are focused on securing the win this time. Australia plays a similar style to us, and we will aim to nullify their strengths. These matches are crucial for us, and we will give our one hundred percent on the field.”
Australia has enjoyed favorable results against India recently, including a 3-0 win in the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24. However, the Indian Women’s Team aims to replicate their 1-0 victory over Australia in the 2020 Olympics quarter-final.
On another front, India has a positive record against the USA, winning four out of the last six encounters, including a 3-1 victory on February 9 during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24.
–IANS
