India to host four major hockey events in three years
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has allotted four major events to India in the next three years. The Netherlands will host the 2014 men’s and women’s World Cup. India will conduct the 2011 men’s Champions trophy (November 26-December 4), the 2012 men’s and women’s Olympic qualifier (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).
The 2014 World Cup will be held at the The Hague June 2-15, it was announced at a special ceremony at the FIH Congress and Forum.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to make,” said FIH President Leandro Negre after revealing the winner.
“The bids from the KNHB (Dutch Hockey Federation) and England Hockey were both outstanding, two of the best that we have ever seen. 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 said.