India to host 2018 men's hockey World Cup

India has been awarded the 2018 men's hockey World Cup, the second time in a span of eight years the country will be hosting the mega event having successfully organised the previous edition three years ago.
The 2018 edition will see an expanded field with 16 teams competing in both men's and women's events.
The 2018 women's World Cup will be held in England.
The women's tournament is scheduled to take place from 7-21 July, with the men's event planned for 1-16 December.
India last hosted the World Cup in New Delhi in 2010 while the next edition will be held next year in The Hague, Netherlands in the first two weeks of June.

"The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that England and India will host the Hockey World Cups in 2018. England Hockey were successful in their bid to host the women's showpiece, with Hockey India winning the race to host the men's equivalent," world body FIH said in a statement late last night.

The announcements were made by FIH President Leandro Negre at a special ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland.
"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018," said Negre.
"The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India. The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board."

Held every four years, the World Cup brings together the world's greatest teams and most skilful players for the toughest, most competitive international hockey event.