The Indian women’s hockey team is all set to participate in the Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in Salalah, Oman from August 25 to August 28, 2023. The team will face Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand in the elite pool of the tournament, which is a qualifying event for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup.
Savita: Playing at home will be a momentous experience
The captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, Savita, expressed her excitement and pride about playing in the Asian Champions Trophy in front of the home crowd in Jharkhand. The tournament, which will feature six teams from Asia, is scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 5, 2023.
“As the captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, I am thrilled beyond words to know that the Asian Champions Trophy for women is set to take place in Ranchi. This announcement is a testament to the progress and recognition that women’s hockey has achieved not just in India but across Asia. It fills us with immense pride to represent our nation on such a significant platform,” Savita said.
She added that competing in front of the home fans will be a “momentous experience” for the team, as they draw inspiration from their energy, support, and enthusiasm. “We are eager to showcase our skills, determination, and the collective spirit that defines Indian women’s hockey,” she said.
Navjot Kaur: We have to be at our best
The vice-captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, Navjot Kaur, shared her captain’s sentiments and said that the team has to be at their best to qualify for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup. The team needs to finish in the top three of the Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier, where they will face some quality teams from the continent.
“We cannot take anything for granted. We will take things slowly, try to play fluid attacking hockey and work hard to qualify for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup. In every match, we will put our best foot forward. We will aim to be the best and finish first after working on our strengths and weaknesses over the last few months,” Navjot Kaur said.
She also said that the team has been putting in a lot of work in the gym and on the field, and their previous performances will boost their confidence. “We want to represent the country at the highest level in this format, and the players are eager to deliver,” she said.
Schedule of the Indian women’s hockey team
The Indian women’s hockey team will begin their campaign at the Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier against Malaysia on August 25. They will then face Japan on August 26 and Thailand on August 27. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals on August 28.
The last time the Indian women’s hockey team played against Malaysia was during the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022, where they won by a margin of 9-0. Against Japan, they lost by 2-0 in the same tournament. They faced Thailand last in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Donghae, South Korea, where they won by a whopping 13-0.
The team will hope to repeat their dominant performances and secure their spot for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup, which will feature 16 teams from across the world. Oman, being the host nation, has already qualified. The top three teams from Africa, America, Europe and Oceania will also join them.
