The Men's Hockey Team From India Will Join The FIH Pro League Since 2020

The men's hockey team from India will join the FIH Pro League next year after retiring from the inaugural edition, which began in January.

By welcoming India into the league, the international hockey federation (FIH) said the measure has been supported by other participating countries.

"... The Indian men's team will join the FIH Pro League starting in 2020, as it was unanimously supported by the other participating National Associations," the FIH said in a statement after its meeting of the Executive Board.

In July 2017, Hockey India had decided to withdraw both male and female teams from the competition.

Indian hockey never gave any official reason for the decision, but it was speculated that the lower ranking of the women's team led India to withdraw from the two competitions, as there was no option to eliminate a single team.

Hockey India also believed that the country was more likely to qualify for the Olympic Games through the World Hockey League.

In the inaugural Pro-League that began in January, nine teams compete in a round-robin tournament with local matches and away from home until June. The four best teams will win a ticket to the FIH Olympic Qualification events.

"It's great that India joins the FIH Pro League next year, there is a great passion for hockey in the country that will add a lot to our new competition," said FIH CEO Thierry Weil.

"In addition, the FIH would like to thank all participating National Associations who, by agreeing on a common plan for the 2020 and 2021 calendars, have once again demonstrated the solidarity of the global hockey community and their increased willingness to grow the sport together"

The EB also approved the principles of the FIH Pro League schedule of matches for 2020 and 2021. The League competition will be held within the first six months of each year and all these matches will remain "home games".

The away games will also remain, but now they will be divided into two consecutive seasons and will work according to the following example: In 2020, Team A will receive Team B twice in a couple of days, and in 2021, Team B will receive Team A twice in a couple of days.

"This scheme halves team trips compared to the current format, which reduces equipment costs, benefits the well-being of athletes and reduces the impact on the environment," the FIH said.

By: Preeti Narula

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