Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, April 10: The Indian women’s hockey team’s two FIH Pro League matches against England, which had been postponed owing to COVID-related concerns with the English team, have been cancelled, giving the Savita-led team the lead in the standings.
The two matches were originally scheduled for April 2 and 3, but were postponed due to a high number of COVID-19 cases and injuries among the England team. For the two cancelled games, the Indian team has been granted six points (three for each match).
“The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between India and England (Women), initially scheduled on 2 and 3 April in Bhubaneswar, India, but postponed due to a high number of COVID cases and injuries affecting the English team, will unfortunately be cancelled, eventually,” the world governing body said in a statement.
“Indeed, despite all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates could be found to reschedule the matches in India. Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the 2 nations that the 6 points available for these 2 matches will be awarded to India,” the statement added.
India has passed Olympic champions Netherlands to take the lead in the standings with 22 points after six points from two cancelled matches. The Dutch are in second place with 19 points, while Germany is in third place with 13.
On Friday, India defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the opening game of the two-legged tie, before falling 1-3 in a shootout in the second game on Saturday.
