India and Spain will join the women’s FIH Pro League for one year following the withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand, who will rejoin for Season 4.
India and Spain will look to play on the same dates and venues as their male counterparts, who are already part of FIH’s global home-and-away league.
Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam hoped that the introduction of the women’s team would help increase its fanbase.
“We are absolutely delighted that the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will participate in the forthcoming edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” he said.
“Their participation will not only give them an opportunity to compete against the best teams of the world, but it will also help us increase the fanbase for the Indian Women’s Team.
“With the Asian Games being held in 2022, getting to play strong teams of the world earlier in the year will certainly be a great platform for our teams to get the right exposure before the all-important Asian Games which is also an Olympic Qualification event.”
For Spain women, the call up to the global league comes at a pivotal time with the team co-hosting next year’s women’s World Cup.
FIH chief executive Thierry Weil said: “It’s wonderful to welcome such great teams as India and Spain for the next edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, especially after their brilliant performance in Tokyo.
