Indian women and men to begin FIH Pro League campaign in Bhubaneswar

NEW DELHI: In the upcoming FIH Pro League 2023/2024 season, the Indian women's hockey team is set to take on China, while the men's team will face Spain in their opening matches. The highly-anticipated clashes are scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar.
The announcement of the Pro League season calendar by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday has sparked excitement among the Indian players.They believe that competing in this prestigious tournament will provide valuable exposure and aid in their preparations for the Paris Olympics next year.
Both the Indian women's and men's teams will kick off their campaigns with home games. The women's team will battle China at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, while the men's team will face Spain at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. These games promise to be thrilling encounters, setting the stage for an action-packed season ahead.
The Indian women's team, who was promoted after being crowned champions of the FIH Nations League, will take the field first against China on February 6 at the Kalinga Stadium.
This will be followed by matches against Netherlands, Australia, and USA before it moves to Rourkela, where it will play against China, Netherlands, Australia, and USA again.
After the home matches, the Indian women will play away games in Antwerp, Belgium and Lee Valley, Great Britain where they will face Argentina, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain respectively.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's team will face Spain in its first match on February 10 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
In the previous season, India ended up fourth overall and will be vying to finish on the podium in the upcoming edition of the tournament.
India will take on Spain, Netherlands, Australia, and Ireland in home games and play against Argentina and Belgium in away games at Antwerp, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain at Lee Valley.

(With inputs from PTI)