The Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have decided to hold the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, initially scheduled for December 2021 but had to be put “on hold” due to the Omicron variant outbreak, from 2 to 13 April 2022 at the originally planned venue, the North-West University of Potchefstroom in South Africa.

Interestingly, the first FIH Hockey Pro League matches of the year, involving the Women’s teams of China and India, will take place on 31 January and 1 February 2022 in Oman, where both teams will be to play the Women’s Asia Cup, which has recently been moved from Thailand to Oman, precisely.

“Since the postponement of this event, we’ve been in permanent contact with the South African Hockey Association. Based on the reports about the current evolution of the health situation in the country, the EB has confirmed its decision from its December meeting, namely that the tournament should be postponed – and not cancelled – and that South Africa should have priority for hosting it. We’re aware that the new dates are challenging for some nations – in particular because of Ramadan or the European club calendar – but it was essential for FIH to fully support the wish of the athletes to play. We’re looking forward to a great event with hockey’s female rising stars!”, FIH CEO Thierry Weil commented.

Sadly however, FIH and Hockey Belgium have been forced to cancel the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Belgium 2022. This decision has been taken on the basis of the current health situation in Belgium and after extensive consultations with and recommendation from all official and competent authorities in the country.

Thierry Weil said: “The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup is the pinnacle of indoor hockey. Therefore, considering all indoor hockey athletes and fans, it was extremely hard to cancel the 2022 edition planned in just a few weeks. But, of course, we have followed the recommendations of the local authorities. On behalf of FIH, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Belgian organisers, and in particular the Belgian Hockey Association, for their tremendous preparation works and their great dedication.”