In a significant development, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the relocation of the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers from Changzhou, China, to Ranchi, India. This decision comes after the Chinese Women’s Hockey Team secured direct qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022.
The Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers are scheduled to take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from January 13 to January 19, 2024. Teams from seven different nations will travel to Ranchi to participate in these qualifiers, with the top three teams earning their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The FIH has also scheduled the other three FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, with Muscat, Oman, hosting the Men’s qualifiers from January 15 to 21, 2024, and Valencia, Spain, hosting both the Women’s and Men’s qualifiers from January 13 to 21.
Hemant Soren, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand, expressed his delight at hosting this prestigious event in Ranchi. He stated, “We are set to host some of the best Asian hockey teams in the coming days, as the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is set to take place from October 27 to November 5. Hosting this event will solidify Jharkhand’s position as a growing sports hub in the country. We have a long history of supporting sports, and we are thrilled to host such a prestigious event.”
Hockey India’s President, Padma Dilip Tirkey, was equally delighted by this decision. He expressed his gratitude to the FIH for supporting India’s proposal to host the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. He said, “This is a huge event for our players, and we are thrilled that it will take place on our home turf. The support from Indian fans will undoubtedly fuel our players’ determination to excel and secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Bhola Nath Singh, Hockey India’s Secretary General, also echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing influence of Indian hockey on the international stage. He extended gratitude to the FIH for entrusting India with this responsibility and to the Government of Jharkhand for their unwavering support.
The opportunity to play in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in front of the home crowd has boosted the confidence of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Team Captain Savita expressed her excitement and stated, “Ranchi hosting the Olympic Qualifiers is fantastic news as it will motivate us more than ever to secure a berth for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the presence of all the Indian hockey fans who have been supporting us. The team is looking forward to giving its best in Ranchi and repaying the fans’ faith in us.”
The Indian Women’s Team recently clinched the Bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, boosting their confidence as they aim to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Before the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, the team will participate in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 from October 27 to November 5, 2023. This tournament will provide valuable preparation as they gear up for the Paris Olympics Qualifiers.