After a long negotiation and conflict, both India’s Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams will compete for the Commonwealth Games (CWG). The decision was confirmed by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Dame Louise Martin. India had earlier decided not to participate in Hockey due to unfair quarantine rules following the outbreak of Covid-19.
"India’s hockey men and women will, if they are invited and qualify, will be here. Hockey is a world-class event at the Commonwealth Games, and it will be a good competition “Dame Louise, CGF President Dame Louise Martin said when she was asked about India’s decision.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had also shown discontent on the decision to withdraw as Indian Hockey teams, both Men and Women have made the nation extremely proud. The Men’s team won its first Olympic medal in Hockey in 41-years in Japan. The strained relation between the Indian sports authority and CGF had strained following the removal of Shooting from the 2022 games.
Earlier in October India had decided to withdraw from the tournament; both of India’s Men and Women teams had reached the semi-finals of the Olympic Games held in Tokyo. The decision now comes in as a welcome addition for both teams. The 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup and Asian Games had been the prime focus for the team. But now with CWG games, India can look forward to having good preparations for the World Cup.
India has a rich history in the CWG as the women’s team made it back-to-back finals in 2002 and 2006. The women’s team won the gold medal in the 2002 Manchester games, last time the tournament was held on English soil while they lost in the finals of the 2006 CWG games. The Men’s team also reached the finals in 2010 and 2014, ending runner-ups on both occasions.
