SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lausanne, Switzerland: There are just 100 days to go until the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022 springs into life at the joint venues of the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Terrassa Olympic Stadium in Terrassa, Spain.
The 16 teams know both their pools and the opponents that stand between them and World Cup glory. The officials are primed and ready to ensure a smooth running and fairly contested tournament. The fans are busily purchasing tickets ready to roar on the athletes in this blue riband event, that will not only set pulses racing in the stands, but will captivate global audiences.
Ahead of the event, fans across the international community were asked to suggest names for the competition’s mascot. Showing some truly astonishing creativity 400 names were suggested, which was eventually whittled down to just three. More than 600 votes were cast and the final, winning name for the 2022 World Cup mascot was revealed as Lyla. Look out for Lyla as she makes starring appearances over the duration of the tournament and at both venues.
Both Spain and the Netherlands are experienced hosts when it comes to hockey competition. The Hague was the venue for the Men’s and Women’s World Cups in 2014, with Utrecht hosting the Men’s and Women’s events in 1998. Amstelveen was the venue for the Men’s World Cup in 1973 and the Women’s World Cup in 1986. Madrid was host to the Women’s World Cups of 1978 and 2006, while Barcelona hosted the first ever Men’s World Cup in 1971.
Xan de Waard of the Netherlands says: 'In 100 days the World Cup starts in Amsterdam and Terrassa. The next few months see us play several games in the FIH Pro League to prepare as well as possible. We are really looking forward to start the World Cup and we hope to see you there.'
Spain's captain Georgina Oliva says: 'I would like to encourage all the fans and the crowds to come to Terrassa because there are a lot of activities waiting for you. I would love to see you all in the stadium, enjoying the hockey and the spectacle of a World Cup. We will welcome you with a lot of sunny days.'
Teams:
Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Chile
Pool B: England, New Zealand, India, China
Pool C: Argentina, Spain, Korea, Canada
Pool D: Australia, Belgium, Japan, South Africa
