Sports Bulletin Report
Sydney: The FIH Hockey Pro League returns on 10 February as Australia will host China and Germany in the women’s competition at Olympic Park Hockey Center in Sydney, to start off the second phase of the 2022/23 season. The men’s competition will resume on 28 February in Hobart with the Kookaburras hosting Argentina and Spain in the first mini-tournament following the conclusion of the men’s World Cup.
Season recap (women’s)
In the women’s competition, reigning champions Argentina currently sit at the top of the table having taken 14 points from their 8 games thus far. Argentina’s quest to defend their title faces great threat from Olympic and World Champions Netherlands, who have stayed perfect so far registering 4 wins in their 4 games to sit second in the table with 12 points. Belgium, Germany and Great Britain are the other 3 teams to have also played 4 matches so far this season. Belgium and Germany have both registered 5 points thus far, but the Red Panthers sit a spot above the Danas thanks to their superior goal difference. Great Britain are yet to register any points this season having lost all 4 of their contests, but have three quarters of the season left to make their climb up the table.
With the mini-tournament starting in Australia on 10 February, Australia and China will play their first set of matches alongside Germany, who will be playing in their second mini-tournament. New Zealand will then host USA and China in Wellington, in a mini-tournament starting on 18 February, which will be the first set of matches for the hosts and the Americans, while China will be playing in their second mini-tournament.
Season recap (men’s)
In the men’s competition, positions 1 to 7 are separated by just 4 points, as the competition has been incredibly stiff so far. Great Britain hold the top spot with 9 points as they remain unbeaten in the competition, having won one match and drawing three, managing to win the bonus points in all three shoot-outs. India, Germany, Spain and Argentina all find themselves on 8 points, but Argentina have already played 8 matches, while India, Germany and Spain have played 4 matches each. Defending champions Netherlands currently find themselves in seventh place, having taken 5 points from their 4 games, one spot below season 3 runners-up Belgium, whose 2 wins and 2 losses sees them occupy the sixth place on 6 points.
With the mini-tournament being played in Australia from 28 February to 5 March, the hosts will become the final team to play their first set of matches in the 2022/23 season, alongside Spain, who will be playing their second mini-tournament and Argentina, who will play their penultimate set of 4 matches. Following the conclusion of games in Australia, the action will shift to the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela where India will host Australia and world champions Germany, with all teams playing their second mini-tournaments.
