THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that England, Belgium and South Africa will host the Hockey World League semi-finals between June and July next year.
Two men’s and two women’s semi-finals, which are Hockey World Cup 2018 qualifiers, will take place at three locations between June 15 and July 23, kicking off what will be a spectacular few months of international hockey.
England has already been confirmed as host of the first men’s semi-final, which will take place at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre between June 15 and 25. The dates for the first women’s semi-final, in Belgium, are June 21 until July 2, with the venue confirmed as Stade Fallon in Brussels.
The other men’s and women’s semi-finals will take place from July 8 to 23 at the Randburg Hockey Turf in Johannesburg. This will be the nation’s first major FIH event since the Champions Challenge was held in the same city in 2011.
Ten teams will take part in each semi-final. They will comprise six teams who qualify based on their FIH Hero World Ranking, whilst the remaining four teams will qualify through Hockey World League round two events taking place earlier in 2017. In total, 20 men’s and 20 women’s teams will be taking part.
Composed of four rounds and played over two years, the Hockey World League shines a spotlight on the sport around the world. Even the smallest hockey-playing nations have the opportunity to write their own chapter in hockey’s history books.
A lot is at stake for teams participating in these Hockey World League semi-finals. Whilst vital FIH Hero World Ranking points will be awarded depending on final standings, the top teams from each semi-final will qualify for the 2018 Hockey World Cup in India (men) and England (women) in addition to the Hockey World League finals taking place in India (men) and New Zealand (women) later in 2017.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
