FIH relocate women’s hockey Paris Olympics qualifiers from China to India

It will take place in Ranchi from January 13 next year.

The FIH announced on Friday that the Women’s Hockey Paris Olympics Qualifiers have been relocated from Changzhou, China, to Ranchi, India. This decision was prompted by the Chinese women's hockey team earning direct qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022.

The Women’s Hockey Paris Olympics Qualifiers will take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from January 13th to 19th, 2024. Besides India, seven national teams from around the world will travel to Ranchi for the qualifiers in their bid to secure a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It's important to note that the top three nations in this competition will secure their spots in next year's Olympics.

Additionally, three other FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers will be held in Muscat, Oman (Men’s – January 15-21, 2024), and Valencia, Spain (Women’s and Men’s – January 13-21, 2024).

Hemant Soren, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand, expressed his thoughts on Ranchi hosting the Women's FIH Hockey Paris Olympics Qualifiers, saying, "It is an honor to welcome the global hockey fraternity to Ranchi, Jharkhand. We are set to host some of the best Asian hockey teams in the coming days, as the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy is set to take place from October 27th to November 5th.

"Hosting this event will solidify Jharkhand's position as a growing sports hub in the country. We have a long history of supporting sports, and we are thrilled to host such a prestigious event."

Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed his excitement, saying, "We at Hockey India are delighted that the FIH has supported India’s proposal to host the Women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers.

"This is a significant event for our players, and we are thrilled that it will take place on our home turf, as the support from Indian fans will undoubtedly fuel our players’ determination to excel and secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics."

He added, "We would also like to thank the Government of Jharkhand and the state's Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Hemant Soren, for their assistance in hosting the event."

Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "FIH supporting India’s proposal to host the qualifiers in Ranchi highlights the growing influence of Indian hockey on the international stage. We extend our gratitude to FIH for entrusting us with this responsibility and to the Government of Jharkhand for their unwavering support."

Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita spoke about the opportunity to play in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in front of the home crowd, saying, "Ranchi hosting the Olympic Qualifiers is fantastic news as it will motivate us more than ever to secure a berth for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the presence of all the Indian hockey fans who have been supporting us through thick and thin. The team is looking forward to giving its best in Ranchi and repaying the fans' faith in us so far."

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team recently clinched the Bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 after a 2-1 triumph over Japan. This victory has boosted their confidence as they aim to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Furthermore, ahead of the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, the Indian team will participate in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 in Ranchi from October 27th to November 5th, 2023. They are set to face Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand in the tournament, which will help them prepare for the Paris Olympics Qualifiers.