Ranchi
As the prestigious Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 approaches, Indian hockey players Salima Tete, Nikki Pradhan, and Sangita Kumari, all hailing from Jharkhand, expressed their excitement for the upcoming tournament. The tournament, scheduled from October 27 to November 5, will feature India competing against formidable opponents, including Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Savita, with Deep Grace Ekka as her deputy, will lead the Indian team in this highly anticipated tournament, which kicks off with India facing Thailand on October 27. Sangita, a forward on the team, shared her enthusiasm about returning to Ranchi for a significant international tournament. She reminisced about her early experiences playing hockey in the city and expressed her pride in witnessing the growth of hockey in Jharkhand. When I arrived at the hostel, there were few facilities available. Previously, only a few players emerged from the state. However, Jharkhand now has many players on the National Team. All the required facilities, including hockey turfs and equipment, are available here, said Sangita. Nikki, a defender with over 150 international caps for India, highlighted the importance of the tournament, particularly for young players in the state. The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the growth of women’s hockey in India. The home fans are expected to turn out in full force to support the Indian team as they compete against top-level opponents.
