With only a week to go for the beginning of the celebrated Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, Indian hockey group gamers Salima Tete, Nikki Pradhan, and Sangita Kumari, who all hail Jharkhand, expressed their pleasure for the upcoming event.
The event, which can happen from October 27 to November 5, will see India competing alongside Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Savita will probably be main the group in the event with Deep Grace Ekka as her deputy. India will open their marketing campaign in the event in opposition to Thailand October 27.
India ahead Sangita expressed pleasure about returning to Ranchi for the foremost event, saying, “I played my first tournament in Ranchi when I was in the U-14 team, and we won the Bronze medal for Hockey Jharkhand. Later on, I played at the Sub Junior level here as well.
“However, this will be my first time competing in such a major international event in Ranchi. I can’t wait to walk out in front of the home fans, who will be out in force to show their support,” Sangita was quoted by Hockey India web site.
Sangita has fond recollections of taking part in matches in the town when she was youthful, and she feels proud of the expansion of hockey in the state. “When I arrived at the hostel, there were few facilities available. Previously, only a few players emerged from the state. However, Jharkhand now has many players on the National Team.
“All the required facilities, including hockey turfs and equipment, are available here. Over the years, Hockey India and the Jharkhand government have worked hard to ensure the growth of hockey in the state.”
After their first match in opposition to Thailand, India will tackle Malaysia on October 28. India will face off in opposition to China in their third recreation October 30, and then compete in opposition to Japan on October 31.
India will play their closing pool recreation in opposition to Korea on November 2. The Semi-Finals and Final of the event will probably be performed on November 4 and 5, respectively.
Meanwhile, defender Nikki, who has already earned over 150 International Caps for India, mentioned that the event will assist the younger gamers in the state.
“I am happy that Hockey India and the Jharkhand government decided to organise such a prestigious tournament here in Ranchi. Hockey is growing in the state, and this tournament will further boost the rise of the sport. Soon, there will come a time when our state will be known by its best hockey players. Our young players here in the state will also get to learn a lot from this tournament,” she mentioned.
Nikki additionally revealed that her relations are wanting ahead to seeing worldwide hockey being performed in Ranchi as effectively, and she expects them to pack the stadiums after the event begins.
“This will be the first time an international event of this calibre is being played here in Ranchi. All my family members, cousins, and friends are so excited and keep calling me asking to check when the matches will begin. I am confident that all of them will be a part of the crowd. It makes me a bit nervous but I am also equally excited to perform in front of my loved ones.”
This would be the seventh version of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. The Indian group gained the title in 2016 and completed because the runners-up in 2018. Hence, the group will purpose to proceed the great present and end on the rostrum.
Midfielder Salima mentioned that the Indian group will profit from the truth that they’ve performed in the circumstances in Ranchi earlier than. “Three members of our team have grown up playing hockey in Jharkhand and are all well-versed with the atmosphere and conditions here in Ranchi.
“Many of us have also played across several domestic tournaments here in the state, and hence, we are confident of adjusting to the surroundings quickly and making necessary adjustments which will give us an advantage in the tournament.”
Salima, who hails from Simdega district, additional said that she desires to put forth her greatest in the event to assist her facet declare the Gold medal. “The tournament is a good chance for us to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers. I want to give my best in the tournament, and we as a team, want to improve certain areas before the crucial matches in January.
The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 is an important tournament for us to continue our growth as a team,” Salima signed off.
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – IANS)
