India to host four major FIH tourneys in next 3 years

MONTREUX ( SWITZERLAND): The successful conduct of the men’s hockey World Cup earlier this year has earned rich dividends for India as the country will host as many as four major International Hockey Federation (FIH) events in the next three years.

According to the tournament calendar for 2011-2014 released by the FIH after it’s Executive Board meeting on Thursday’s night, the honeymoon for Indian hockey lovers will start with 2011 men’s Champions Trophy, which will be held from November 26 to December 4.

It will be followed by 2012 men’s and women’s Olympic qualifiers in February, the 2013 men’s and women’s junior World Cup (November 2-17) and the 2014 women’s Champions Trophy (February).

India will also play host to a round of the men’s World Series tournament in 2013 (September 8-15).

Apart from the four major events, India will also play host to a round of the men’s World Series tournament in 2013 (September 8-15).

In its Congress, the FIH also announced that the city of Hague in the Netherlands will play host to the 2014 men’s and women’s World Cup from June 2-15.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision to make. The bids from The KNHB and England Hockey were both outstanding, two of the best that we have ever seen,” FIH president Leandro Negre said in a statement.

“It was a very close decision, but we offer our congratulations to The Netherlands, who we are sure will stage an unforgettable double World Cup event.

“England Hockey’s bid has reinforced their importance as a partner for future FIH events, and we are keen to maximise the use of London 2012’s legacy facility,” he added.