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The Women's Hockey Junior World Cup, which was scheduled to be held in South Africa, has been postponed. This is according to the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
The Junior World Cup was put on hold as the pandemic has begun wreaking havoc once again with a new COVID-19 variant. Keeping in view the safety of the teams, the organizers and everyone involved, the International Hockey Federation had put it on hold.
The Executive Board meeting on Wednesday officially decided to postpone the event. They have also suggested that South Africa will have priority over hosting the Women's Junior World Cup.
Read: Women's Asian Champions Trophy: Indian player tests positive for COVID-19
Acknowledging the preparations of the organizers – both the South African Hockey Association and the North-West University of Potchefstroom – for their intense preparations, the Executive Board formally thanked them.
South Africa, Canada in Hockey Pro League
The Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) approved the participation of South Africa and Canada in the third edition of the Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League.
South Africa and Canada will be replacing Australia and New Zealand in this edition of the Hockey Pro League. Both Australia and New Zealand have pulled out of the current season due to COVID-19 related travel constraints and safety.
Also read: Argentina win Junior Hockey World Cup, India finish fourth
The Executive Board also made it clear that the inclusion of South Africa and Canada will only be temporary and limited to the third and current season of the Men's Pro League. The teams are the first from the African and North American continents respectively.
The first Hockey Pro League matches of 2022 will involve the Indian women’s hockey and Chinese women's teams. The two nations will meet on January 31 and February 1 in Thailand, where both teams will be to play the Women’s Asia Cup 2022.
The Executive Board members also extended their congratulations and thanks to Hockey India for their outstanding work in hosting the magnificent Men’s Junior World Cup 2021.
Also read: Hockey India to take part in 2022 Commonwealth Games
