The International Hockey Federation Pro league is the newest sport set for its resurrection, following postponement in March, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.
On the 9th July the FIH federation confirmed that there was to be a new schedule for both men’s and women’s remaining pro league fixtures, with all remaining games to be completed by June 2021.
The current season was suspended in early March, with only one third of the scheduled fixtures being played out. The current standings see’s Belgium leading Men, whilst Argentina are the early front runners within the Women’s competition.
Establishing a schedule in such a calamitous era would have been challenging enough for anyone. However, it was made harder with the already busy 2021 summer with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, Continental Championships and domestic league competitions. Moreover, the FIH and all 11 National participating parties agreed that the 2020 season should be completed if it was deemed safe to do so.
The first fixture will be held on the 22nd September. Germany play host to Belgium. A game between two of the worlds best to kick start the resuming league.
Great Britain, who currently sit 9th in the men’s competition , 6th in Women’s standings have their first scheduled fixtures on October 27th. Where they travel to Holland and then off to Germany. Both fixtures will be massive games for GB who are still yet to make a mark in this year’s competition.
Competitive Hockey won’t grace our nation until 14-15 November, as we host Germany’s men and women. This fixture, is almost certainly to be behind closed doors.
Taken from the FIH website. FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said following the announcement: “All hockey fans have been eagerly waiting for the day where the world’s best teams would play again. Whilst the pandemic is not over and staying healthy while playing hockey is an absolute priority, it’s a sign of hope that the resumption of the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League is looming. I wish all teams well and invite all fans to enjoy ‘Hockey at its Best’ in the months ahead!”
Both Great Britain senior squads returned to training at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre on June 29. After a four-month absence due to Covid-19.
Great Britain’s remaining Fixtures:
Away Games:
Tue 27 Oct NED v GBR women & men (times TBC)
Thu 29 Oct NED v GBR women & men (times TBC)
Sat 31 Oct BEL v GBR women & men (1pm and 3:30pm UK time)
Sun 1 Nov BEL v GBR women & men (1pm and 3:30pm UK time)
Home games:
Sat 14 Nov GBR v GER women & men (12pm and 2:30pm)
Sun 15 Nov GBR v GER women & men (12pm and 2:30pm)
Sat 8 May GBR v IND men; GBR v CHN women (1pm and 3:30pm)
Sun 9 May GBR v IND men; GBR v CHN women (12pm and 2:30pm)
Sat 15 May GBR v ARG women & men (1pm and 3:30pm)
Sun 16 May GBR v ARG women & men (12pm and 2:30pm)
Sat 22 May GBR v USA women; GBR v SPA men (1pm and 3:30pm)
Sun 23 May GBR v USA women; GBR v SPA men (12pm and 2:30pm)