India withdraw hockey teams from Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

India has withdrawn its hockey teams from next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham citing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic and a short turnaround before the Asian Games in China, a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 8, with the Asian Games in Hangzhou starting on Sept. 10.

In a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra, and reviewed by Reuters, the hockey federation said the Asian Games were the priority.

"With reference to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we have observed over the last 18 months that England has been the worst