Junior Hockey World Cup: England have withdrawn from FIH Junior Hockey World Cup tournament to be held in India next month, citing 10 days of mandatory quarantine under the Covid-19 rules for British citizens in India. The Junior Hockey World Cup tournament is scheduled to be played in Bhubaneswar from November 24 to December 5. Earlier in September, Australia had also decided to withdraw from the tournament due to the Covid-19 protocol.
The England Hockey Association said in its statement that it has informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) about its decision to withdraw from the Junior Hockey World Cup tournament. "With a sad heart, we have decided to withdraw from the Junior Hockey World Cup tournament in India," said Ed Barney, the team's performance director. We are extremely sympathetic to the players and coaches who will miss this opportunity to represent their country."
In these circumstances, it is not possible to participate in the World Cup.
"The Government of India on Friday announced a mandatory 10-day quaratine for citizens coming from the UK," the Hockey Association said in its statement. It is not possible for us to participate in this tournament keeping in mind the mental health of players and associate members amidst many concerns related to Covid."
Earlier, Australia has also announced its withdrawal from the Junior Hockey World Cup tournament due to the Covid-19 protocol. Hockey Australia CEO Michael Johnston explained the decision, saying, "Hockey Australia is not currently considering hockey-related foreign trips based on the risk assessment and health advice of the Australian government during this era of Covid-19. Apart from the Junior Hockey World Cup tournament and Pro League to be held in India, Australia will also not participate in the Junior Women's World Cup to be held in South Africa later this year, the World Cup in Belgium and the Masters World Cup in the US in 2022."
World Cup to be played at Bhubaneswar in Odisha
The FIH Junior Hockey World Cup tournament is scheduled to be played this year from November 24 to December 5 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. India is the current champion of this tournament. In 2016, India defeated Belgium 2-1 in the final of the tournament played at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Lucknow to clinch the title. Senior Hockey World Cup is also scheduled to be played in January 2023 at the Kalinga Stadium itself.