New Delhi, Dec 24:
With only three weeks until the FIH Hockey Olympics Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, the Indian women’s hockey team is preparing to compete in Ranchi, aiming to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“We have some high-calibre teams coming to Ranchito battle for qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics, but we have agreat group of players and an outstanding support staff. So, we arecertain that we can finish on the podium and qualify for the Olympics.The aim will be to play each match on our terms, take more responsibility for our actions in-game, be solid at the back, andcapitalize on the chances we create,” commented chief coach Janneke Schopman on India’s chances in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024.
India will begin the campaign against the United States on January 13 and go on to face New Zealand on January 14, before their last Pool B clash against Italy on January 16. Pool A comprises Germany, Japan, Chile and Czech Republic.
The team is entering this tournament after playing preparatory matches in Spain. The Indian team won the Gold medal at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 and the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games, both times defeating Japan. The team isoptimistic about the upcoming tour, buoyed by the enthusiastic supportof home fans. The team’s main goal is to finish in the top three and secure a spot in the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Elaborating on the preparations, Janneke Schopman said, “The last few months were crucial,and I am happy with the way the team has responded after missing out ondirect qualification from the Asian Games. Our performance in theJharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 is an example ofthe team’s potential. The next step is to tap into this potential andbecome a consistently high-performing team. The 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 was important in this regard, as it helped us fine-tuneour game and maintain match sharpness before entering a criticaljuncture in our journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
