The year 2024 presents a monumental challenge for Indian hockey, with both the men's and women's national teams embarking on crucial campaigns that will define their standing on the global stage. The primary objectives are clear: the men's team must defend its Asian Games crown to secure a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics, while the women's squad will battle in the FIH Nations Cup to reclaim a spot among the world's elite.
A Dual Mission for the Men's Hockey Team
The Indian men's hockey team, under the guidance of chief coach Craig Fulton, faces a year packed with high-stakes tournaments. The journey begins with the FIH Hockey Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in February 2024. These games are more than just fixtures; they are vital preparation platforms against top-tier nations like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
However, the most significant target looms later in the year. The team's performance at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, now scheduled for September-October 2024, carries immense weight. Winning the gold medal there is non-negotiable, as it provides the direct qualification pathway for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Coach Fulton has emphasized that every match and training session is a building block towards peaking at this event and, subsequently, at the Olympics itself.
Women's Team Aims for a Top-Tier Return
For the Indian women's hockey team, 2024 is a year of redemption and climb. After a heart-breaking miss at the Tokyo Olympics qualification and a subsequent relegation from the Pro League, the team's immediate focus is the FIH Nations Cup in December. This tournament is their chance to win promotion back into the Pro League for the 2024-25 season, a crucial step for consistent competition against the best.
Their calendar also includes important exposure trips. A tour of South Africa in January will feature five matches against the host nation and the Netherlands, offering invaluable match practice. The core group, blending experienced players with fresh talent, is being meticulously prepared to handle the pressure of must-win tournaments and reclaim their position among the world's top hockey-playing nations.
Building on Past Glory and Learning from Setbacks
The men's team draws inspiration from its historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, but the recent quarter-final exit at the 2023 World Cup in Bhubaneswar serves as a stark reminder of the sport's competitive nature. This setback has fueled a renewed determination within the squad. The focus is on developing a robust defensive structure alongside their attacking flair, a balance that coach Fulton is keen to strike.
Similarly, the women's team uses its past achievements, like the impressive fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020, as a benchmark. The current phase is about rebuilding confidence, refining strategies, and ensuring the team executes its plans under pressure during the pivotal Nations Cup campaign.
In essence, 2024 is a defining chapter for Indian hockey. The men's team is on a mission to defend its continental supremacy and cement its Olympic berth, while the women's team is fighting to regain its lost standing. The programs for both squads are meticulously planned, intertwining competitive matches with rigorous training, all aimed at ensuring the tricolour flies high in Paris and beyond.
