Indian men’s hockey team FIH Pro League matches against Great Britain postponed
The Indian hockey team can’t travel since the UK government has included India in its ‘red’ list of countries banned to enter Britain due to a spike in COVID cases.
The Indian men’s hockey team’s matches against Great Britain in the FIH Pro League next month have been postponed, the FIH has announced on Wednesday.
The Indian hockey team was scheduled to play two FIH Pro League matches against Great Britain on May 8 and May 9 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London, United Kingdom.
However, the UK government has put India in its ‘red list’ – nations from where travel is not allowed into the UK – due to the second wave of COVID-19 in India, restricting the Indian hockey team’s travel to the country.
The Indian hockey team will still be travelling to Europe in May though, as they take on Spain on May 16 in Valencia and Germany on May 22 in Hamburg.
This latest postponement will further hamper the preparations for the Indian hockey team, which had just returned to FIH Pro League action earlier this month after a year’s break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India beat hosts and reigning Olympic champions Argentina in a penalty shoot-out in one match and dominated them in another to win the two FIH Pro League matches in Buenos Aires.
India currently sit fourth in the FIH Pro League standings with 15 points in eight matches, ahead of three-time world champions Australia.
India have won three matches, drawn three (won all penalty shoot-outs to earn three bonus points) and lost just two matches so far in their maiden FIH Pro League campaign.
Their good form and performance against higher-ranked opponents bodes well for a good showing at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in July this year.
India, who have eight golds, two silvers, and three bronze at the Olympics, will aim to return to the podium for the first time since the 1980 Moscow Games.
Lead photo: Hockey India