The Argentine Women’s Field Hockey Team Receives Special Visit Ahead of Pan American Games
In their first training session in Santiago, the Argentine women’s field hockey team, including Valentina Costa Biondi from Bahia, had a remarkable visit that added excitement to their preparations for the Pan American Games.
During their practice on Chilean soil, Las Leonas were honored by the presence of the iconic Luciana Aymar, a symbol of the national team and Argentine sports history, as documented by the official account of the Argentine Confederation.
Coach Sergio “Cachito” Vigil, who is currently working in the neighboring country, also joined the session along with some of the players.
Argentina’s Journey at the Pan American Games
The Argentine team, which arrived at the Pan American Village yesterday, is eagerly awaiting their debut on Thursday as they aim to defend the gold medal they achieved in Lima 2019.
Argentina will compete in zone A alongside the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
The team’s first match will be against the Cimarronas on Thursday at 9:30, followed by a clash with the Americans on Saturday at 11:30. They will conclude the group stage by facing Trinidad and Tobago on Monday at 9:30.
Zone B will consist of the host team, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba.
Only the champion of the tournament will secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while the second, third, and fourth-placed teams will qualify for the Pre-Olympic stage.
Additional Bahienses Joining the Team
In addition to Valentina’s arrival yesterday, two more athletes from Bahia, Juan Carlos Candisano (57 years old) and Damián Ancic (37), will join the team in Santiago today.
Juani will participate in the complete equestrian test, which includes dressage on Friday the 27th, cross country on the 28th, and jumping on the 29th.
Damián, on the other hand, will compete in the jumping tournament.
Furthermore, Catalina Turienzo, who will represent the city in the kite (yachting) formula, is set to arrive on Tuesday.