Amidst high spirits and anticipation, the Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams embarked on their journey from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru to Valencia, Spain, for the pivotal 5 Nations Tournament scheduled from December 15th to 22nd, 2023.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s challenging journey begins with a clash against the host, Spain, on December 15th, followed by encounters with Belgium on December 16th, Germany on December 19th, and concluding against Ireland on December 21st in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023.
Simultaneously, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team kicks off their campaign against hosts Spain on December 15th. Subsequent matches include battles against Belgium on December 16th, Germany on December 19th, and a face-off with France on December 20th to conclude their Valencia 2023 journey.
Before boarding the flight, Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, Savita, emphasized the tournament’s significance, citing its role in fine-tuning their strategies for the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024. She expressed determination to address weaknesses and exhibit peak performance.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh echoed the importance of the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023, aiming to elevate their world ranking and align with aspirations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Singh emphasized the team’s readiness to face formidable opponents and strive for victory in Valencia.
While international exposure is crucial, skeptics argue that frequent tournaments might lead to player fatigue and impact long-term performance.