“It will motivate us more than ever to book a place in the Paris Olympics,” says Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita at the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers moving to Ranchi~
Bengaluru, October 21, 2023: The International Hockey Federation on Friday moved the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers to Ranchi, India, from Changzhou, China. This development came after the Chinese women’s hockey team obtained direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022.
The FIH Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand from January 13 to 19, 2024. Apart from India, seven national teams from around the world will travel to Ranchi to participate in the FIH Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers In FIH. Their quest to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It should be noted that the countries that finish in the top three will confirm their place in next year’s Olympic Games.
Also, the other three Olympic hockey qualifiers will be held in Muscat, Oman (men – January 15-21, 2024) and Valencia, Spain (women’s and men – January 13-21).
Speaking about Ranchi hosting the Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren said, “It is a great honor to welcome the global hockey fraternity to Ranchi, Jharkhand. We are ready to host some of the best Asian hockey players and teams in the coming days, as… “The AFC Women’s Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Jharkhand from October 27 to November 5. Now, hosting this event will cement Jharkhand’s position as a growing sports hub in the country. We have a long history of supporting sports, and we are delighted to host such a prestigious event.”
“We at Hockey India are delighted that the FIH has supported India’s proposal to host the FIH Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. This is a huge event for our players, and we are happy that it will happen on our home turf as a support from the Indian fans. It will undoubtedly strengthen the resolve of our players,” said Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey. “To excel and secure their place in the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
“We would also like to thank the Government of Jharkhand and the Chief Minister of the state, Shri Hemant Soren Ji, for their assistance in hosting this event,” he added.
Echoing the President’s sentiments, Secretary General of Indian Hockey, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, said: “The IIHF’s support for India’s proposal to host the qualifiers in Ranchi highlights the growing influence of Indian hockey on the international stage. We express our gratitude to the IIHF for entrusting us with this responsibility and to the Government of Jharkhand.” For her unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita spoke about the opportunity to play in the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers in front of the local audience, saying, “Ranchi hosting the Olympic qualifiers is great news as it will motivate us more than ever to secure a place for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in attendance.” To all the Indian hockey fans who have supported us through thick and thin, the team is looking forward to giving their best in Ranchi and repaying the fans’ trust in us so far.
Notably, the Indian women’s hockey team clinched a bronze medal in the recently concluded 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 after a 2-1 win over Japan, and the win has boosted their confidence as they look to secure a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Moreover, ahead of the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers, the Indian team will play in the Jharkhand AFC Women’s Champions League 2023 in Ranchi from October 27 to November 5, 2023. They are scheduled to face Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia and Malaysia. Thailand in the tournament, which will ultimately help them prepare for the Paris Olympics qualifiers.
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