Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: Ranchi is all set to host the Women’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023. The seventh edition of the coveted tournament is scheduled to be held from 27th October to 5th November 2023. Six teams – India, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia and Thailand are expected to feature in the tournament that is set to be played in India for the first time.
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Hockey India along with the Jharkhand State Government announced Ranchi as the hosts for the tournament on Tuesday, 22nd August 2023. India much recently hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy earlier this month. The event was played in Chennai with India emerging as the champions.
Women’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy to be played in India for the first time
The Women’s team led by Savita Punia will look to replicate the feat of the Men’s team in front of the home crowd. The Indian Women’s Team won the title in the tournament in 2016. In the following edition in 2018, they finished runners-up.
President of Hockey India Dilip Tirkey announced Ranchi as the hosts of the tournament. He said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the AHF for giving Hockey India the honour of hosting the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 in Ranchi. This event is a testament to India’s growing stature as a global hub for hockey. We are committed to ensuring that the tournament is a resounding succes.”
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, “It is an honour and privilege for us to welcome the best women’s hockey teams in Asia. I believe the tournament in Ranchi will inspire and encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. I welcome all the participating teams and officials to come and enjoy the facilities and hospitality in Jharkhand.”
Ranchi has previously hosted numerous Hockey India League matches from 2012 to 2015. It was home to the now-defunct team Ranchi Rays. In recent years, the stadium has witnessed several top domestic events and boasts a big fan base. Jharkhand also has a rich hockey history. The state has produced Seven Olympians. It includes Jaipal Singh Munda, Silbanus Dungdung, Manohar Topno, Ajit Lakra, Michael Kindo and Shri Marang Gomke among the men. Nikki Pradhan, Salima Tete meanwhile are currently in the Women’s national squad.
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