Lausanne (Switzerland), Jan 16 (Reporter) The FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 is set to deliver thrilling hockey action as it moves through its next stages in Australia, India, and Argentina over the month of February. Action will begin in Australia, with Sydney taking center stage from February 4-9. The Kookaburras who won the title in the previous edition will start off their defence against reigning Olympic champions Netherlands, and Spain. The Hockeyroos will also start their 2024/25 campaign simultaneously, facing off against China and Spain. Both the Spanish teams will play their first matches of the season in the Sydney stage of the Pro League, with the women's team making their first appearance since 2020, having qualified for the current season by winning the FIH Nations Cup in 2024. China women will look to continue their strong start to the season after taking 8 points from the opening 4 games of their season, played at home in Hangzhou. Netherlands men meanwhile will be hoping to return to their best, after an uncharacteristic start slow saw them pick up no wins in their opening 4 games, totalling 6 points through 3 draws and a loss. Following the Australian leg, the league will move to Bhubaneswar, India, renowned for its passionate hockey fan base. Between February 15 and 25, the men’s teams of India, Spain, England, Germany and Ireland will go head-to-head with all teams reaching the half-way point of their season by the end of the Bhubaneswar stage. It will be the same in the women’s competition for India, Spain, England, Germany and Netherlands. With 24 matches over the 11 days, the action will be unceasing among the top ranked teams in the world, which will be a true showcase of the 'League of the Best'. The action will simultaneously also begin in Argentina as the Bhubaneswar stage goes on, with Santiago del Estero hosting the final stage from the first half of the season from February 19 to 24. Locking horns in front of the large crowds will be Argentina, Belgium and Australia, in both the men’s and women’s competition. At the end of the Bhubaneswar and Santiago del Estero stages, all men’s and women’s teams will have played 8 matches, marking the halfway point of the season, giving us a clear picture of the title race for the 2024-25 season, with Australia men and Netherlands women currently playing as the title holders from the previous season...////...