Hockeyroos to host highly anticipated India series in Adelaide

South Australian sports fans will have the opportunity to see Australia’s iconic national women’s hockey team, the Hockeyroos, in action LIVE for the first time since 2017 when they take on India in a 3-match series at MATE Stadium next month.

The highly anticipated series, to be played on 18, 20-21 May, will be the first time the Hockeyroos have played in Adelaide since matches against Japan in November 2017.

Currently ranked 3rd in the world, the 3-match series will be used as valuable preparation for the Hockeyroos’ Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, which are in the form of a best-of-three series (Oceania Cup) against New Zealand in August.

The Hockeyroos and India have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years. India sensationally knocked the Hockeyroos out at the quarter final stage of the Tokyo Olympics. Then in their latest meeting the Hockeyroos recorded a thrilling and controversial shootout in the semi finals of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell said there was a lot of excitement and anticipation among the playing group around playing in Adelaide and reigniting the rivalry with India.

“Any opportunity the Hockeyroos have to play in Australia is always special and this series in Adelaide is one we’re really looking forward to,” said Powell.

“We have an exciting group of players named for these matches and there will be plenty to play for.

“Not only is it an opportunity to take on a really strong international opponent, but also for selection with players vying to be part of our team for the Oceania Cup and in the frame for the Paris Olympics.”

A veteran of 214 international appearances, Claxton captained the Hockeyroos the last time the team played in Adelaide.

Shand, who heralds from Naracoorte, came into the national senior squad last year and was part of the Hockeyroos team that won a bronze medal at the 2022 FIH Women’s World Cup.

Following the 3-match series, an Australia A team made up of players predominantly from the Women’s National Development Squad will take on India in two matches on 25-26 May 2023.

The Hockeyroos v India series was announced in October last year prior to the Kookaburras taking on India in a 5-match series against India in Adelaide in November 2022.

Before the series against India, the Hockeyroos will compete in a FIH Pro League ‘mini tournament’ against New Zealand and Great Britain from 22-30 April 2023 in Christchurch.