Raipur to host 2015 men’s Hockey World League Final

The 3,000-capacity Raipur International Hockey Stadium is due to stage the men's Hockey World League Final ©FIH

Indian city Raipur, located in the state of Chhattisgarh, will stage the 2015 men’s Hockey World League Final, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced.

The eight teams, who booked their places through their performances at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Buenos Aires and Antwerp, are now set to compete in the 3,000-capacity Raipur International Hockey Stadium from November 27 to December 6.

It will be the first time the venue has been used for an international hockey event, having opened as a dedicated hockey facility in August 2014.

“It’s great news for the Indian hockey fraternity as Raipur will host an international level tournament for the first time, this will be a huge motivation not only for Hockey India but also for the officials at the Raipur stadium,” President of Hockey India Narinder Dhruv Batra said.

“Yet again this proves our capabilities to host tournaments of this stature, effortlessly and perfectly.

“This will provide a huge opportunity for the people of Chhattisgarh to watch incredible hockey skills as teams compete to grab the tournament title.

“Tournaments like these will inspire the young generation to take up hockey as a career, which we hope will enhance our talent pool in the future.”

The Netherlands will be aiming to retain their title in Raipur ©Getty Images

The second edition of the Hockey World League will see The Netherlands attempt to retain their title having beaten New Zealand in the 2012 to 2013 final held in New Delhi.

The Dutch team, winners of the silver medal at London 2012, are set to be joined at this year’s final by world number one ranked Australia, Olympic champions Germany, Belgium, Britain, Argentina, Canada and the host nation India.

With each of the competing teams having already booked their places at next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, FIH President Leandro Negre believes the competition level is going to excite the crowds at the Raipur International Hockey Stadium.

“This will be one of the last opportunities to test themselves against one another in international competition before they head out to Rio for the Games later next year,” he said.

“India has a strong connection with the sport of hockey and we are delighted to be taking this showcase competition to a city that has shown a great desire to host international hockey tournaments.

“We have no doubt that the local organisers and the people of Raipur will put on a fantastic event for athletes, spectators and television viewers around the world.”