The Hero Hockey World League Final , which is the culmination of a tournament that began way back in August 2012 – features eight world class teams in action, with host nation India being joined by Olympic champions Germany, world champions Australia, Pan American champions Argentina as well as the Netherlands, Belgium, England and New Zealand. The event will take place from 10-18 January 2014 at, the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
The Hockey World League (HWL) is the newest addition to the international hockey calendar and was conceived with an aim to make the sport more accessible across the globe. It is open to all member national associations of the FIH, creating a unique platform of inclusiveness that saw World League events held all across the globe, including the Czech Republic, Ghana and the Caribbean. Countries such as Scotland, Azerbaijan and Fiji faced off against established hockey powers in an effort to make their mark on world hockey.
The men’s edition of the HWL has seen 53 teams compete over 3 rounds already, a historic first for an FIH tournament. All of the teams that join host nation India in
January’s showpiece Final in Delhi earned their place thanks to strong showings at the Hockey World League Semi Final events in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, which were held earlier this year.
“The Hockey World League is a unique concept that its very first edition has proven its success”, said Leandro Negre, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). “The fact that over 50 men’s teams participated in the entire process starting from 2012 proves that the sport of hockey is slowly but surely spreading its wings to new corners of the world."
He further added, “I am sure that the finals of the tournament will see great action from some great teams at a venue that has always seen impressive crowds cheering for the sport. India is a very important destination for FIH and the passion that the country has for the sport will once again make this new event a great success.”
Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hero Motocorp Ltd., said, “These are exciting times for hockey in India. Starting with the Men's World Cup in 2010 in Delhi, there has been a series of exciting big-ticket,
Hockey events in the country, and now we are absolutely delighted to see India hosting the Final round of the inaugural edition of the Hockey World League. We are happy to be the Title Sponsors of the Final, which has the potential to become one of the most prestigious hockey events in the world. I wish all the participants a memorable stay in India and greater outings on the turf.”
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