NE Watch Desk
The Italy women’s hockey team visited
the Jagannath Temple in Ranchi, performing Puja ahead of the anticipated FIH
Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024. The team, led by co-captains Federica Carta and
Sara Puglisi, engaged in prayer and hymns behind the priest during the sacred
ceremony.
Italy, currently ranked 19th in the FIH
World Rankings, expressed eagerness for the upcoming tournament, with their
campaign beginning against New Zealand on January 13. Sara Puglisi, the team’s
captain, shared insights into their preparations, emphasizing the excitement
and dedication invested in training for the crucial matches.
The Italian team is placed in Pool B,
where they will face USA on January 14 and Bharat on January 16. The top three
teams from the tournament will secure qualification for the Paris Olympic Games
in 2024.
Meanwhile, Hockey India announced the
18-member Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in
Ranchi.
The squad includes seasoned players like
Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika,
Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika,
Jyoti, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana
Katariya.
Savita, an expert goalkeeper and recent
recipient of the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award, will lead the team, while veteran
forward Vandana Katariya will serve as the vice-captain.
Chief Coach Janneke Schopman expressed
confidence in the well-balanced team’s skill and experience, emphasizing the
crucial role of the captain and vice-captain in guiding the squad through
high-pressure situations in their quest for Paris 2024 Olympics qualification.
