With just three weeks remaining for their crucial match against the United States in the FIH Hockey Olympics Qualifiers in Ranchi, the Indian women’s hockey team is undergoing intensive preparations to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Scheduled to take place in Ranchi from January 13 to 19, the Olympic Qualifiers will witness intense competition as the top three teams from each of the two events, including Ranchi and Valencia in Spain, will secure berths for the Paris Olympics.
Despite their performance fluctuating since their remarkable appearance in the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the Indian women’s team is determined to prove that their Tokyo success was not a one-time achievement. The Ranchi qualifiers represent their final opportunity to secure a spot after missing direct qualification at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Commencing their campaign on January 13 against the United States, the Indian team will face New Zealand the following day and conclude their Pool B engagements against Italy on January 16. The eight-team competition features Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic in Pool A.
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Expressing optimism, Indian women’s team chief coach Janneke Schopman stated, “We have a great group of players and an outstanding support staff. So, we are certain that we can finish on the podium and qualify for the Olympics.”
Highlighting the team’s approach, Schopman emphasized playing each match on their terms, taking responsibility for in-game actions, maintaining defensive solidity, and capitalizing on created chances.
The team, having played preparatory matches in Spain, is entering the tournament with momentum from their gold medal at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi and the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games. The support of home fans adds to their enthusiasm as they strive to secure a top-three finish and secure a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Schopman noted, “The last few months were crucial, and I am happy with the way the team has responded after missing out on direct qualification from the Asian Games. Our performance in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 is an example of the team’s potential.”
“The next step is to tap into this potential and become a consistently high-performing team,” she added, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning their game and maintaining match sharpness in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
–IANS
