In a remarkable turn of events, Ranchi, the picturesque city of Jharkhand, is gearing up to host the Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifier matches, following the conclusion of the Asian Hockey Championship. The tournament, scheduled from January 13 to January 19, 2024, will take place at the state-of-the-art Morabadi Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
This international event will witness seven national teams, including India, competing fiercely for a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The top three teams emerging from this qualifier will secure their positions in the upcoming Olympics, marking a significant achievement for the players and their respective nations.
Originally planned to be held in Changzhou, China, the Olympic Qualifier found a new home in Ranchi after the Chinese women’s hockey team clinched the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games, ensuring their direct qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) then entrusted Hockey India with the responsibility of hosting this prestigious tournament.
Ranchi is currently abuzz with excitement as it prepares to welcome the global hockey fraternity. Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, expressed his pride in hosting the event, emphasizing the significance of welcoming the world’s top women’s hockey teams to the city. He stated, “Welcoming the global hockey community to Jharkhand is a matter of great honor. We are prepared to host some of the best Asian hockey teams. Our players have already made a mark internationally, and hosting such tournaments will further boost their confidence, encouraging us to organize more such events in the future.”
Dilip Tirkey, the President of Hockey India, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude to the FIH and the Jharkhand government for supporting India’s proposal. He said, “Support from FIH and the Jharkhand government underscores the growing influence of Indian hockey on the international stage. We eagerly look forward to showcasing our passion and talent on our home turf. The support from our fans will inspire our players to deliver their best performance.”
The captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, Savita Punia, shared her enthusiasm about hosting the Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi, saying, “Hosting the Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi is a significant milestone. It will motivate us to perform even better. We are eager to display our best game and secure our spot in the Paris Olympics.”
The hockey enthusiasts in Ranchi are all set to witness world-class sportsmanship, as the city becomes the focal point of international women’s hockey. Stay tuned for live updates and thrilling moments from the Olympic Qualifier matches, where passion and talent will collide, determining the fate of these exceptional athletes on the global stage.
