Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2023 crucial opportunity to prepare for Paris Olympics qualifiers, says Salima Tete

Sangita Kumari and Nikki Pradhan who hail from Jharkhand also shared their thoughts.

With just a week remaining before the commencement of the prestigious Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023, key members of the Indian women's hockey team hailing from Jharkhand, namely Salima Tete, Nikki Pradhan, and Sangita Kumari, have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. Scheduled to take place from October 27th to November 5th, this competition will feature India, Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Savita will be leading the Indian women's hockey team during the tournament, with Deep Grace Ekka serving as her deputy. India's journey in the tournament kicks off against Thailand on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Sangita, a forward in the Indian women's hockey team, expressed her excitement about returning to Ranchi for this major tournament. She reflected on her earlier experiences, stating, "I played my first tournament in Ranchi when I was part of the U-14 team, and we secured a bronze medal for Hockey Jharkhand.

"Subsequently, I also competed at the Sub Junior level in Ranchi. However, this will mark my inaugural participation in such a significant international event in Ranchi. I'm eagerly looking forward to stepping out in front of the passionate home fans who will undoubtedly show their unwavering support."

Sangita fondly reminisces about her matches in the city during her formative years and takes pride in the growth of hockey in the state. She remarked, "When I arrived at the hostel, there were limited facilities available, and only a few players emerged from the state. However, Jharkhand now boasts numerous players on the national team, along with all the necessary facilities, including hockey turfs and equipment. Over the years, Hockey India and the Jharkhand government have diligently worked to foster the growth of hockey in the state."

Following their initial match against Thailand, India is set to face Malaysia on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Subsequently, India will compete against China in their third game on Monday, October 30, 2023, followed by a match against Japan on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Their final pool game will be against Korea on Thursday, November 2, 2023. The Semi-Finals and the Final of the tournament are scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, and Sunday, November 5, 2023, respectively.

Nikki Pradhan, a defender with over 150 International Caps for India, emphasized that the tournament holds great promise for nurturing young talent in the state. She expressed her happiness, saying, "I'm delighted that Hockey India and the Jharkhand government chose to organize such a prestigious tournament here in Ranchi.

"The sport of hockey is on an upward trajectory in the state, and this tournament will undoubtedly contribute to its growth. I believe a time will come when our state will be renowned for producing top-tier hockey players. This tournament will also provide invaluable learning opportunities for our young players."

Nikki also revealed that her family members are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness international hockey in Ranchi and expect the stadiums to be packed once the tournament commences. She shared, "This will be the first time an international event of this magnitude is being held in Ranchi.

"My entire family, cousins, and friends are brimming with excitement, constantly inquiring about the match schedules. I am confident that all of them will be part of the enthusiastic crowd. It does make me a bit nervous, but I'm equally excited to showcase my skills in front of my loved ones."

This edition marks the seventh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023. The Indian women's hockey team claimed the title in 2016 and finished as runners-up in 2018, instilling a sense of determination to continue their strong performance and secure a place on the podium.

Midfielder Salima Tete, representing the Indian team, noted that the familiarity with Ranchi's conditions would be advantageous for the squad. "Three members of our team have grown up playing hockey in Jharkhand and are well-acquainted with the atmosphere and conditions here in Ranchi.

"Many of us have also participated in various domestic tournaments within the state. Therefore, we are confident in our ability to adapt swiftly to the surroundings and make the necessary adjustments, providing us an edge in the tournament."

Salima, hailing from Simdega district, expressed her aspiration to contribute to her team's quest for the Gold medal, stating, "This tournament serves as a crucial opportunity for us to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers. I am committed to giving my best in the tournament, and as a team, we aim to enhance our performance in specific areas ahead of the critical matches in January.

"The Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 holds significant importance for us as we continue our journey of growth as a team." Salima concluded.