The 15th edition of the Men’s FIH (International Hockey Federation) Hockey World Cup organized by the International Hockey Federation will run from January 13th to January 29th, 2023. The tournament will take place at two different locations in India, the Kalinga Stadium located in Bhubaneswar, and the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium located in Rourkela.
The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, located in Rourkela, India, is a world-renowned field hockey stadium named in honor of the freedom fighter Birsa Munda. It has a seating capacity of 20,000, making it the biggest all-seater field hockey stadium in the world.
Host Selection
The FIH announced in December 2018 that the 2022 Men’s Hockey World Cup could be held either in July 2022 or January 2023. Initially, five countries (India, Belgium, Germany, Malaysia, and Spain) submitted bids to host the tournament in July 2022. However, Germany and Spain later withdrew their bids, leaving three countries in the running. In November 2019, it was announced that India had been chosen to host the tournament, which will be held in January 2023.
Teams
The 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup will feature 16 teams. India, as the host nation, will automatically qualify, along with the five continental champions. Due to the postponement of the 2020 Olympics, the number of teams that qualify through continental championships has increased from six to sixteen, including the host nation.
FIH World Cup 2023 Groups
- Pool A– Australia, South Africa, France, Argentina
- Pool B– Belgium, Japan, Korea, Germany
- Pool C– Netherlands, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand
- Pool D– India, Wales, Spain, England
Facts
In the 52-year history of the Hockey World Cup, India has only won the tournament once, in 1975 in Malaysia. India also finished as runners-up in 1973. The tournament began in 1971, and India placed third in the first edition. This will be the fourth time India is hosting the tournament, having also hosted it in 1982 in Mumbai, in 2010 in New Delhi, and in 2018 in Bhubaneswar.
Pakistan is the most successful team in the history of the Hockey World Cup, having won the tournament four times. They have also finished as runners-up twice and placed fourth once.
An interesting fact is that in 2023, India will be celebrating its 75th year of independence, making the hosting of the Hockey World Cup an even more significant event for the country.
