Rani Rampal's unit gear up for first international assignment after Tokyo Olympics

Rani Rampal-led Indian unit had performed brilliantly at the recent Tokyo Olympics, where the team reached their maiden semifinals.

Lausanne: India and Spain will play in the upcoming women's Hockey Pro League as replacement teams only for this season after pull-outs by Australia and New Zealand, the international Hockey Federation (FIH) said on Friday. The third season of the women's FIH Hockey Pro League begins on October 13 with Olympic and world champions the Netherlands taking on Belgium.

"FIH is glad to announce that the women's national teams of India and Spain will join the FIH Hockey Pro League for Season 3," the International Hockey Federation said in a statement.

"Both teams will replace (for this season only) Australia and New Zealand ... However, Australia and New Zealand will join Pro League again for Season 4," it said.