FIH Olympic Qualifier Organized by Marang Gomke of Ranchi Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium It is to be held from 13th January. Teams from eight countries are participating in it. Till now five teams including India have reached Ranchi and have also started practicing here. At this time the weather of Ranchi has also become wonderful. In such a situation, foreign teams are also liking the weather here. This is why the Italian team has fixed morning and evening time for practice, while the USA team is practicing at night. Two teams also reached Ranchi on Saturday. The Chilean team also reached Ranchi at 8.50 am on Sunday. Japan’s hockey team will reach Ranchi at 3.25 pm.
Italy practiced twice, Indian team practiced in Khunti
The Italy hockey team practiced twice on Saturday. This team first chose the time of practice at 8 in the morning. After this, took part in the practice session at 6 pm. Whereas the US hockey team practiced only once at 7.30 pm. Earlier, the host Indian women’s hockey team practiced at Morhabadi Astroturf Hockey Stadium at 9.30 am. After this, the Indian team went to Khunti in the afternoon, where the team took part in a practice session under floodlights in the evening.
The match schedule has been decided, India’s first match will be against US
The schedule of the match to be held from 13 to 19 January has been decided. For this, eight teams have been divided into two groups. Group A includes teams from Germany, Chile, Japan and Czech Republic. Whereas New Zealand, Italy, India and United States have been kept in Group B. The first match of the Indian women’s hockey team is with the US on January 13 at 7.30 pm. The second match is with New Zealand on 14th January and the third match is with Italy on 16th January.
Indian women’s hockey team practiced in Khunti
The Indian women’s hockey team, which came to Jharkhand for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, reached Khunti on Saturday. 22 players of the team practiced under the leadership of Khunti’s daughter vice-captain Nikki Pradhan at the Astroturf ground located in Birsa College campus in Khunti. On the instructions of coach Jenneke Shopman, the hockey players sweated profusely. The players were given goal practice and other practices. A large number of sports lovers had reached the ground to see the Indian women hockey players reach Khunti in the evening. Everyone was encouraging the players.
Nikki Pradhan got a warm welcome at home
Especially a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the people towards Nikki Pradhan of Khunti. Enthusiasm was seen in the team regarding star players of Jharkhand including Sangeeta Kumari, Salima Tete, Beauty Dungdung, Bicchu Devi, Lal Ram Sami, Ishika Udita and others. Nikki Pradhan said that our team is very excited. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the team after winning the Asian Championship trophy. Our preparations for the qualifiers are complete. The team will perform better. She said that it is a matter of joy for her that she is coming to her district and practicing for the match. He said that many people had come to watch the practice. The players of the area will also learn a lot from this and will also be inspired. The district administration welcomed the team. DC Nitish Kumar Singh, SDO Aniket Sachan and others were present on the spot.