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The Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has excluded Russia from the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup. The decision comes following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last month.
The Austrian hockey team will replace Russia in the tournament. This was announced by the EB following a decision taken last week. The World Cup is scheduled to take place between April 1-12 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
The International Hockey Federation, who stands in solidarity with Ukraine, said in a statement:
“Following yesterday's recommendation by the IOC to avoid the participation of Russian athletes and officials in international competitions – in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants – the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken the decision to exclude Russia from the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup scheduled from 1 to 12 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa."
Austria are grouped alongside Argentina, Korea and Uruguay in Pool C. This will be Austria's maiden FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup. The FIH further added:
"Furthermore, FIH continues to be in contact with the Hockey Association of Ukraine and is still hopeful that the Ukrainian team will be able to participate in the event in South Africa."
Hockey India announces core probable group ahead of upcoming FIH Junior Women's World Cup
On February 28, Hockey India named a 28-member probables group for the tournament that is taking part in a four-week preparatory camp which began on March 1. The four-week camp commenced in Bhubaneswar, Odisha last week.
The 28-member core probable group list includes:
Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi Kharibam, Khushboo, Madhuri Kindo
Defenders: Marina Lalramnghaki, Preeti, Priyanka, Ishika Chaudhary, Akashata Abaso Dekhale, Neelam
Midfielders: Vaishnavi Phalke, Salima Tete, Reet, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Ajmina Kujur, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Nikita Toppo
