Hockey Festival newcomer receives rankings boost

Hawke’s Bay Hockey Festival newcomer receives boost in FIH rankings

The USA Women’s Hockey team was the big mover in the latest world rankings released by the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) last week.

The USA jumped from the 8th ranked team in the world to 5th and will be in New Zealand next month as one of the 8 teams taking part in the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey.

Hawke’s Bay Sports Events and Education Consortium (HBSEEC) Event Director David Nancarrow says “ The USA have become the team to watch as far as world rankings are concerned and we are delighted that they are one of two new teams taking part in the Festival of Hockey in April. The other new team to the tournament, India has qualified for the semifinals of the Women’s Hockey World League in June, and a good performance at that tournament could also see their world ranking rise.”

David Nancarrow says “During the past 12 months a large amount of work has been done at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park to upgrade the infrastructure, following last year’s inaugural tournament. Coaches and players will notice that major improvements have been made to the pitch shelters (dugouts) for this year’s tournament.”

The Hawke’s Bay Cup tournament begins on Saturday 11th April with China and India clashing at 1.30pm. That will be followed by Australia vs USA, Argentina vs Korea and the Black Sticks will play their opening match of the tournament against Japan at 7.30pm.

The eight teams competing in the Hawke’s Bay Cup international tournament with their latest world rankings are:

• Australia (2nd)

• Argentina (3rd)

• New Zealand (4th)

• USA (5th)

• China (7th)

• Korea (9th)

• Japan (10th)

• India (13th)

For tickets and further festival information go to www.hockeyfestival.nz

The Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey is collaboration between Hockey NZ and Hawke’s Bay Sports Events and Entertainment Consortium (HBSEEC).

[ENDS]

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