Olympic rivals to contest series

THE Hockeyroos will reprise their burgeoning international rivalry with India when the two teams square off in a best-ofthree series in Adelaide next month.

Australia’s iconic women’s national hockey team will play in South Australia for the first time since 2017 when they face off against their 2020 Tokyo Olympics conquerors India on May 18, 20 and 21.

The three-match series is crucial preparation for the world No.3 Hockeyroos, ahead of their Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the Oceania Cup in August.

It will continue an important preparatory period for the three-time Olympic champions, currently in Christchurch for FIH Pro League matches against New Zealand and Great Britain from April 22-30.

India stunned the Hockeyroos in Tokyo to send them home at the quarter-final stage, before the Aussies gained revenge in a thrilling semi-final shootout victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“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,” coach Katrina Powell said.

“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.”

Every match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo.

Following the HockeyroosIndia series, an Australia A team – built predominantly from the women’s national development squad – will also play against India in a two-match series on May 25 and 26.