FIH Pro League 2024: The Indian men’s hockey team is really excited about the upcoming FIH Pro League, and captain Harmanpreet Singh thinks it’s a great chance for young players as well as a competition. The importance of this platform for the growth and exposure of young players is emphasized by Singh as the team gets ready for the task.
The Indian men’s hockey team recently touched down in Bhubaneswar, gearing up for the FIH Pro League set to unfold at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium from February 10, followed by matches at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 19.
FIH Pro League: A Global Showdown
Five national sides, including Ireland, the Netherlands, India, Spain, and Australia, are set to engage in fierce competition during the India leg of the FIH Pro League. There will be a display of hockey skill, demonstrating the variety of playing techniques and strategies, when these titans square off in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
A Good Opportunity For Youngsters
This time, the squad includes a few young players, and it will be a fantastic chance for them to become comfortable with the playing styles of some of the top teams in the world.
Fixture Highlights
The schedule unfolds with India locking horns with Spain in the opening game on Saturday, February 10. A formidable challenge follows, with a face-off against the world’s top-ranked team, the Netherlands, on Sunday, February 11. After a brief respite, the team faces Australia on February 15, culminating the Bhubaneswar leg with a showdown against Ireland on February 16.
“We are preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris very seriously, and winning the Pro League would mean automatic qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026,” Harmanpreet continued.
“This season, a few young players have been added to the roster, and Harmanpreet said, “This will be a great opportunity for them to become familiar with the play style of some of the best teams in the world.”