The Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 is set to be a thrilling 10-day extravaganza, eagerly anticipated by hockey enthusiasts. It’s scheduled to take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, creating an electric atmosphere. Fans are already converging at the stadium in anticipation of witnessing their beloved hockey idols in action.
Six teams, including India, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, are prepared to compete in this prestigious tournament. The format involves each of these teams playing five matches during the round-robin stage, with the top four advancing to the Semi-Finals.
While the defending champions, Japan, and the gold medallists from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou 2022, China, are expected to draw attention, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is entering the tournament as the favorites. Fresh from their Bronze medal win in Hangzhou, India, led by Savita, is determined to mount a strong campaign.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain, Savita, Highlights the Significance of These Matches, “In tournaments like these, no team can be taken lightly. We are looking forward to these matches as they will help us test our mettle against some of the most formidable teams in Asia. Of course, we want to win every match and perform well here, preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers, which will also be hosted in Ranchi. This tournament serves as a vital preparatory test before the ultimate challenge of securing an Olympic berth.”
Supporting the captain’s perspective, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman stated, “Playing these matches ahead of the Olympics Qualifiers is a great opportunity. It allows us to study the other teams and assess how players perform their assigned roles. Our recent performances in the Asian Games were promising, and I am excited and eager to see our team in action.”
India’s journey in the tournament begins with a match against Thailand on October 27, 2023, followed by a clash with Malaysia on October 28, China on October 30, and Japan on October 31. Their final pool match will be against Korea on November 2, leading to the knockout stage games. India is eyeing their second Women’s Asian Champions Trophy title, having previously claimed victory in 2016, while also securing runner-up positions in 2013 and 2018, and a third-place finish in 2010.
Notably, this prestigious event is being hosted in India for the first time, and the fervent support of the home crowd is expected to boost India’s confidence as they aim to add this significant title to their collection. Enthusiastic fans will create an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the tournament. It promises to be a remarkable celebration of women’s hockey.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
