New Delhi Location for 12th Men Hockey World Cup 2010

Hockey & India

Hockey is India's traditional sport. However, at present it has been overshadowed by cricket. Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) have taken initiative to revive the sport. In India, movies like "Chak de India" has found a good audience. Hockey was India's event in any international forum till about 1980. It was a sure shot Gold Medal for India in Olympics and Asian Games. India won eight Olympic Gold Medals between 1928 to 1980. However, India has lost out to other countries in terms of facilities and infrastrusture.

Men's Hockey world Cup 2010

On 07 Nov 07, FIH declared New Delhi as the venue for 2010 Men's World Cup Hockey. The 12 international teams will fight out the battle for firat position during the month of February at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi. India has earlier hosted the world cup in 1982 at Mumbai when it finished fifth. The first world cup was hosted by Barcelona in 1971.

The announcement to this effect was made by FIH president Els van Breda Vriesman. The decision will be confirmed in March 2008 which will depend on achievement of certain targets in relation to organization of World Cup. New Delhi will also host Commonwealth Games in 2010. Indians will be eying the world cup title with a thumping win in Asia Cup under their belt, earlier this year. India had remained unbeaten in the Asia Cup. India's arch rival Pakistan has been the most successful nation in Hockey World Cup with four titles and two runners up positions. Netherlands has won the cup three times whereas Germany has won the last two world cups. India and Australia have achieved the feat once each.