Indian Women’s Hockey Team Begins 2024-25 FIH Pro League Campaign with High Hopes
The Indian women’s hockey team is all set to kick off their 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League journey at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, starting on February 15. With an aim to improve upon their previous season’s performance, the team is eager to make a mark on the global stage.
India’s Performance in the Previous FIH Pro League and Road to Redemption
After a tough 2023-24 campaign, where the Indian women’s team finished eighth with just three wins out of 16 matches, they are determined to bounce back stronger. Despite facing challenges, they secured crucial victories over powerhouse Australia and the USA, ensuring their place in the tournament for another season. With renewed strategy and preparation, the Indian squad is looking forward to rewriting their Pro League journey.
Star-Studded Lineup Featuring Experienced and Rising Talents
The Indian team boasts an exceptional blend of experience and youthful energy. Veteran players like Vandana Katariya, with over 300 international caps, and goalkeeper Savita Punia, a two-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, provide solid leadership on the field. Additionally, the presence of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, who has crossed 200 caps, adds further stability to the defensive lineup.
Moreover, India has a strong pool of young talent, including Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, and Mumtaz Khan, all of whom have been recognized as FIH Rising Star of the Year awardees. With such a balanced squad, the Indian team is prepared to take on the world’s best teams with confidence.
Complete FIH Pro League Schedule for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team
The 2024-25 season will see India facing some of the toughest teams in the world across different venues. Here is the full schedule:
Matches in India (Bhubaneswar, Kalinga Stadium):
February 15 (Saturday): India vs England – 17:15 IST
February 16 (Sunday): India vs England – 17:15 IST
February 18 (Tuesday): India vs Spain – 17:15 IST
February 19 (Wednesday): India vs Spain – 19:30 IST
February 21 (Friday): India vs Germany – 17:15 IST
February 22 (Saturday): India vs Germany – 17:15 IST
February 24 (Monday): India vs Netherlands – 17:15 IST
February 25 (Tuesday): India vs Netherlands – 17:15 IST
Matches in England (London):
June 14 (Saturday): India vs Australia – 15:30 IST
June 15 (Sunday): India vs Australia – 15:00 IST
June 17 (Tuesday): India vs Argentina – 20:00 IST
June 18 (Wednesday): India vs Argentina – 20:00 IST
Matches in Belgium (Antwerp):
June 21 (Saturday): India vs Belgium – 16:30 IST
June 22 (Sunday): India vs Belgium – 16:30 IST
Matches in Germany (Berlin):
June 28 (Saturday): India vs China – 16:00 IST
June 29 (Sunday): India vs China – 17:00 IST
Full Squad of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team for FIH Pro League 2024-25
The Indian squad features a well-rounded mix of defenders, midfielders, and attackers who are ready to showcase their skills in the upcoming league matches.
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri
Midfielders: Jyoti, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete (Captain), Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Vandana Katariya, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan
Where to Watch: FIH Pro League 2024-25 Live Telecast and Streaming Details in India
Hockey fans in India can catch all the live action of the FIH Pro League across multiple platforms:
Live Telecast on TV: The matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select 2 and DD Sports.
Live Streaming Online: For those who prefer to watch online, the live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
Key Matches to Look Out For in the Tournament
The Indian women’s hockey team will face some of the toughest opponents in this year’s FIH Pro League. Key clashes to watch out for include:
India vs England: The opening match of the season will set the tone for India's campaign.
India vs Australia: A crucial battle against one of the strongest teams in world hockey.
India vs Argentina: A challenging fixture against the reigning Olympic silver medalists.
India vs Netherlands: The Dutch team has been dominant in world hockey, making this a must-watch match.
Final Thoughts: Can India Make History in FIH Pro League 2024-25?
With a fresh approach and a determined mindset, the Indian women’s hockey team is all set to take on the world’s best teams. If they can capitalize on their strengths and execute their strategies effectively, this could be a defining season for Indian women’s hockey. Stay tuned and support the team as they aim for glory in the 2024-25 FIH Pro League!