OMICRON EFFECT NOW SEEN IN HOCKEY FIELD

• Women Hockey team of Netherlands pulls out of FIH pro league due to prevailing situation of covid-19 in the Netherlands. 
• A hockey match was expected between the Indian Women’s Team and Netherland Women’s Team on 19th and 20th February. 

And  Omicron effect now seen in hockey field.

Due to the prevailing Covid situation in the Netherlands, particularly the highly contagious omicron strain of the infection, the Dutch women’s hockey team has withdrawn from back-to-back FIH Pro League matches against India scheduled for February 19 and 20 in Bhubaneswar. 

The Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) has requested that the matches be postponed to later by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

However, Hockey India expressed surprise at the Dutch team’s withdrawal on Thursday.  

The medical staff of the Netherlands team gave them sound advice and encouraged them to postpone the trip, which the team agreed to since there had been an increase in corona cases in the Netherlands.  

 According to them, the journey of India would take just six days; thus, there is a chance that they will become sick in the Netherlands and that the infection will be reported in India.

As a result, there may be an obligatory quarantine or the need to postpone the return flight. 

 The Indian squad, on the other hand, was shocked by the news. Hockey India stated it is in communication with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) about the implications of the Netherlands team’s decision.

Because India’s Covid positivity rate is below 5%, India aimed for a successful hosting of the tournament in a secure Bio-Bubble, similar to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, which was hosted at the same place just three months earlier and included 16 teams. 

 On January 31 and February 2, the Indian squad, competing in the league for the first time, started strong by defeating China 7-1 and 2-1 in back-to-back matches in Muscat, Oman.

So far in the league, the Netherlands squad has won three games and drawn one. 

Edited By : Saurabh Sarda

Published By : K. Bindhiya Prarthana