New Zealand to host hockey's Champions Trophy

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that New Zealand will host this year's Champions Trophy after the governing body axed India as the tournament's host country last week.

The FIH stripped India as the host of this year's Champions Trophy after refusing to approve a controversial new settlement between two warring organisations over the governance of the sport in the country. The two rival bodies, Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation, signed a working agreement under the supervision of India's Sports Ministry, to set up a unified executive board comprising four members from each side.

However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the FIH have refused to endorse the truce after insisting only one body can be allowed to run the sport in the country. Although the IOA urged the FIH to reconsider its decision to move the competition, the global federation has moved swiftly to appoint New Zealand as the new stage for the leading hockey tournament.

FIH President Leandro Negre said in a statement "it is always tough to move an event out of any country, but I have to say that the silver lining is the bid from New Zealand.

"New Zealand will put on a first-rate Champions Trophy and has been extremely flexible and professional given the tough circumstances and tight timeline. I know that they will do an excellent job hosting the event."

As a result of the relocation, India has lost its automatic spot as host of the eight-team event and will have to play in November's Champions Challenge in South Africa to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

The event will be held in Auckland on its original dates of 3rd to 11th December.

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26th June 2009 - INDIA CONFIRMED AS 2010 HOCKEY WORLD CUP HOSTS