FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2022 Draw

The Indian women's hockey team has been grouped in Pool B with England, New Zealand, and China for the upcoming FIH women's World Cup 2022. India's sports governing body announced the news on 17 February. The premier tournament will begin on 1 July in Spain and Netherlands. The tournament consists of four groups of four teams each.

Read also: FIH Hockey Pro League: India losses to France 2-5

"It is a tough pool with England (World No.3) and New Zealand (World No.8)": Savita Punia

The team also qualified for the world cup after they finished the Asia Cup in Muscat in the third position. Savita Punia said on the grouping, "It is a tough pool with England (World No.3) and New Zealand (World No.8) who are ranked above us and China can always spring a surprise. As a team, we have always believed we need to focus on ourselves and not what the opponent can do. But now that we know who we play in the pool stage, we can plan our preparations accordingly and we look forward to the challenge."

Read also: Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian cricketer scores a hat-trick in a hockey tournament

She also added on the importance of Pro League matches. "We will play England at home in the Pro League matches in April and we have already played China. I believe playing other top teams of the world like Belgium, Argentina, etc will definitely benefit us in our preparations for the World Cup."

The remaining three pools of FIH women's World Cup 2022:

In Pool A, World Champions Netherlands will face-off with Germany, Ireland, and Chile. Pool C consists of the host country Spain along with Argentina, Korea, and also Canada. Lastly, Australia, Belgium, Japan, and South Africa will battle in Pool D.