India gets men hockey WC, again

The 2018 edition will see an expanded field with 16 teams competing in both men's and women's events.

The 2018 women's World Cup will be held in England.

The women's tournament is scheduled to take place from 7-21 July, with the men's event planned for 1-16 December. India last hosted the World Cup in New Delhi in 2010 while the next edition will be held next year in The Hague, Netherlands in the first two weeks of June.

"The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that England and India will host the Hockey World Cups in 2018. England Hockey were successful in their bid to host the women's showpiece, with Hockey India winning the race to host the men's equivalent," world body FIH said in a statement.

The announcements were made by FIH President Leandro Negre at a special ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. "I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018," said Negre.

"The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India. The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board."

Held every four years, the World Cup brings together the world's greatest teams and most skilful players for the toughest, most competitive international hockey event.

Both the Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups 2018 will feature an increased 16-nation field of participants, confirming the growing interest and development of the sport. Next year's hugely anticipated Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which takes place in The Hague, Netherlands during the first two weeks of June, will see twelve men's and twelve women's teams competing.

"The decision certainly was not an easy one to make," said FIH Chief Executive Officer Kelly Fairweather, reflecting on the bidding process.