Is Salima's India Women's Hockey Team Ready for the European Leg of FIH Pro League?

Synopsis
The Indian Women's Hockey Team embarks on a pivotal journey to Amsterdam for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Captain Salima Tete and Vice-captain Navneet Kaur share insights on the team's preparation and confidence as they face formidable opponents. Will they secure vital points in Europe?
Key Takeaways
- Team Departure: The Indian Women's Hockey Team has left for Amsterdam.
- Training Schedule: They will train until June 8 before competitive matches.
- Key Matches: Encounters against Australia and Argentina are on the horizon.
- Team Confidence: Players express optimism after recent performances.
- Current Standing: India is placed sixth in the Pro League points table.
New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has set off from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on their journey to Amsterdam for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 on Wednesday. The squad will train in Amsterdam, Netherlands, until June 8, before proceeding to London, UK, where they will face off against Australia and Argentina in their initial four fixtures.
The first challenge will be against the Australian women’s team on June 14 and 15, followed by encounters with the Argentine women’s team on June 17 and 18. The team will then make their way to Antwerp on June 19 for two matches against the Belgium National Team, slated for June 21 and 22. The European leg will wrap up with two matches against China on June 28 and 29 in Berlin, Germany.
Prior to their departure, Captain Salima Tete emphasized the importance of this tour, stating, "This is a very crucial leg of the FIH Pro League for us, as we will be facing four very strong teams. We’ve already played a test match against Australia earlier this year, and we’ll further fine-tune our strategy in Amsterdam before our matches against the Hockeyroos and others."
Vice-captain Navneet Kaur echoed Salima’s sentiments, adding, “We know we have some tough games ahead, but the team is confident after our performance in the Bhubaneswar leg of the Pro League. We’re determined to go all out and collect valuable points in Europe.”
India aims to build on their momentum from February, when they held world No. 1 Netherlands to a 2-2 draw and secured a bonus point in the shootout in Bhubaneswar. Earlier this month, the team also explored new combinations in Perth, Australia, during five friendly matches against Australia A and the Hockeyroos.
Currently, India stands in sixth place in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 points table with nine points from eight matches. Defending champions The Netherlands lead the standings with 19 points from eight matches, while Belgium is second with 17 points, followed by China on 16 points. Spain (14) and Argentina (14) occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, differentiated by goal difference.