The Ireland men’s hockey team, currently ranked No. 11 globally, has touched down in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ahead of their inaugural appearance in the Men’s FIH Pro League 2023/24. Led by Captain Sean Murray, the squad is set to face formidable opponents, including the defending champions Netherlands, Australia, Spain, and the host nation India in the upcoming leg.
Scheduled to unfold in Bhubaneswar from February 10th to 16th and subsequently in Rourkela from February 19th to 25th, Ireland’s campaign kicks off against the Netherlands on February 10th at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium. The team will then take on Australia, Spain, and India on February 13th, 15th, and 16th, respectively, in Bhubaneswar before heading to Rourkela for the return fixtures.
Expressing enthusiasm upon their arrival, Captain Sean Murray highlighted the team’s eagerness to embark on their debut FIH Pro League journey, following their recent participation in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the team’s readiness to compete against the world’s top sides.
Ireland’s remarkable achievements in recent years, securing a silver medal at the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2022 and clinching gold at the EuroHockey Championship II in 2023, have propelled them into the global spotlight. Their third-place finish at the FIH Paris Olympic Qualifier in Spain secured their berth at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Murray expressed the team’s determination to aim for victory in each game, acknowledging the tough competition against elite teams. He singled out the match against India as a special occasion, particularly playing in front of the home crowd. The Ireland men’s hockey team is poised for a challenging yet thrilling debut in the FIH Pro League, symbolizing their ascent in the world hockey landscape.
Read Latest Hockey updates on CrPatiNews
- All Winners of Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Hockey: India Won 2024 TitleRead about all the teams that won the Asian Champions from 2011 to 2024: The Indian hockey team won their 5th title in 2024.
- List of Olympics Medal Winners in Hockey: Check Out How Many Times India Won Gold in the OlympicsHockey has been one of the major team sports in the Olympics since 1908, and India dominated the sport with 8 golds, one silver, and three bronze. The Paris…
- Indian Men’s Hockey Team Draws Tough Opponents in Pool B at Paris Olympics 2024PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth secure victories, HS Prannoy exits early at BWF French Open 2024.