Indian Hockey Teams Withdraw From 2022 Commonwealth Games Citing Quarantine Rules For Indians

India had announced curbs on UK nationals after the British government had made a strict 10-day quarantine mandatory even for fully vaccinated Indians.

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New Delhi: Indian hockey teams have officially withdrawn from Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games taking note of Coronavirus situation in United Kingdom and mandatory 10-day quarantine requirement for Indian nationals. Earlier, England had pulled out from FIH Men's Junior World Cup, slated to take place in India's Bhubaneswar in November, citing Indian government's mandatory 10-day quarantine for all UK nationals. 

India had announced curbs on UK nationals after the British government had made a strict 10-day quarantine mandatory even for fully vaccinated Indians as it has doubts or some problem with Coronavirus vaccine certification given to Indian nationals. 

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."

"The Government of India on Friday announced a mandatory 10-day quarantine 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."

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 defending champion. In 2016, India had 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.