Live streaming, Women’s FIH Pro League 2023-24: India begin campaign against heavyweights - full schedule, IND squad
The Indian women’s hockey team will play against China, the USA, Australia and the Netherlands in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Watch live!
Hockey
The Indian women’s hockey team will start its campaign in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 with home matches against the People’s Republic of China, the USA, Australia and the Netherlands in Odisha from Saturday.
This will be India’s second appearance in the women’s FIH Pro League, having featured in the 2021-22 season and finishing third. The Indian women’s hockey team qualified for the 2023-24 season after winning the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup in December 2022.
All teams competing in the Odisha leg of the FIH Pro League will face each other once at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar before moving to the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
World No. 8 India will play Asian Games champions China, world No. 10, in their first game on Saturday, before clashing with reigning Olympic champions and world No. 1 Netherlands on Sunday. India will take on world No. 2 Australia on Wednesday before playing against the 12th-ranked USA on Friday.
“We have a few youngsters coming in for the FIH Pro League 2023-24,” chief coach Janneke Schopman said while announcing India’s 24-member squad for the matches.
“The league is of immense importance to us as the champions will secure their spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. We will look to build upon the team chemistry and the squad is looking forward to facing some of the best teams in the world,” Schopman added.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia will continue to lead the side while veteran striker Vandana Katariya will return to the squad as vice-captain.
Katariya had missed the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Ranchi in January after sustaining an injury during a training session. India made the semi-finals but eventually missed out on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Where to watch Women’s FIH Pro League 2023-24 live in India
Live streaming of the Women’s FIH Pro League 2023-24 hockey matches in Odisha will be available on JioCinema. The FIH Women’s Pro League will be telecast live on the Sports18 Khel TV channel in India.
FIH Pro League 2023-24: Indian women’s hockey squad for Odisha leg
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri
Midfielders: Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Sunelita Toppo
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya (vice-captain), Sharmila Devi