Khunti: The Indian women’s hockey team, which came to Jharkhand for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, reached Khunti on Saturday. The team was welcomed traditionally by Tribals and District Administration Officials.
The Indian women’s hockey team practiced for the match at the Astroturf ground in Khunti. All the hockey players of the Indian team including Nikki Pradhan of Khunti district were included in the team.
During this, hockey players and sports lovers of the district including Deputy Commissioner Lokesh Mishra, Deputy Development Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officer, Project Director, and ITDA were present. They watched the practice match of the Indian team in the Astroturf ground of Birsa College campus.
After the practice, all the players and the team coach were honored by the Deputy Commissioner Lokesh Mishra. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the practice of the team in Khunti will promote hockey in the district. He said that it is a matter of joy for Khunti that the Indian team has reached here for practice. He wished all the players good luck for the match and encouraged them.
During this Nikki Pradhan said that our team is motivated, especially after winning the Asian Champions Trophy. She said, our preparations are complete and proper preparations have been made to perform better. She said that it is a matter of joy for her that she is coming to her district and practicing for the match.
FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifying Tournament is to be organized from 13 to 19 January at Morang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi. India will face America in its opening match on January 13, followed by New Zealand on January 14. After a day’s rest, India will play Italy on January 16. The semi-finals will be held on January 18 and the final on January 19.