The Indian women’s hockey team achieved a remarkable victory in the Torneo del Centenario 2023 tournament, a three-nation event held in Terrassa, Barcelona. They secured their win by defeating the host team, Spain, with an impressive 3-0 score on July 3.
Vandana Katariya was instrumental in initiating India’s scoring, finding the net in the 22nd minute and showcasing a robust defense. Monika, who had received a green card earlier, made a triumphant return to the field and extended India’s lead with a field goal in the 48th minute. With just two minutes left before the game’s conclusion, Indian defender Udita scored the final crucial goal, securing the victory against Spain.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Tamil Nadu, extended his warm congratulations to the team and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Chennai. He praised the Indian Women’s Hockey team’s skillful and spirited display during the 100th-anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation international tournament in 2023, wishing them more success on the international stage. The win holds particular significance as Chennai is about to host the Asian Champions Trophy in three days, adding to the celebration.
Janneke Schopman, a former Dutch field hockey player, is the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. The team, currently ranked eighth in the International Hockey Federation’s women’s ranking, is now gearing up for the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The event is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8, and the team is diligently preparing to make its mark on the international stage once again.
