Indian Women’s Hockey Team Leaves for Five-Match Series in Australia

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has departed for Perth, Australia, for an exciting five-match tour. The team left Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Sunday night, en route to Australia via Singapore. The series kicks off with two friendly matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three high-stakes encounters with the world No.5 ranked Australian senior team on May 1, 3, and 4. All matches will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

The 26-member squad, led by midfielder Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, is gearing up for a crucial preparation phase ahead of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 European leg, set to begin in June. The team has been preparing intensively at the national camp in Bengaluru, and the tour offers a perfect opportunity to test their strategies and improve key areas before heading to Europe.

Speaking before departure, Captain Salima Tete expressed pride in leading the team on this important tour. “It’s a proud moment for me to lead the team. We’ve worked hard, and we are excited to take on this challenge. Playing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will help us fine-tune our performance,” she said.

Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the confidence and unity within the team. “This tour is another great opportunity to improve on areas like finishing and transitions, building towards our bigger goals this year,” Kaur said.

The Indian team will look to build on the momentum from their recent performances in the FIH Pro League, where they held world No.1 Netherlands to a 2-2 draw and secured a shootout bonus point in Bhubaneswar. With young players earning their senior call-up, this tour promises to strengthen the team’s depth and serve as a significant stepping stone for future competitions.