The two nations fought off competition from Malaysia and New Zealand, and Negre admitted the decision had not been easy given the quality of all of the bids.

"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018," he said.

"The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is greatly looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India.

"I would also like to congratulate all of the National Associations that submitted bids for these events.

"The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board."

England, which is also hosting the 2015 EuroHockey Championships, had been shortlisted alongside New Zealand and the 2018 Women's World Cup will now form part of UK Sport's £27 million ($43 million/€32 million) Gold Event Series to build on the legacy from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a legacy venue set to open in May 2014, will host the tournament.

The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will stage the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup after England was today awarded the hosting rights


The nation will also find out tomorrow if it has been successful in its bids to host the 2016 Women's Champions Event and the 2017 Men's World League Round Three.

"As a life-long hockey fan I'm delighted that England Hockey's bid has been successful and I know this country will deliver a truly outstanding tournament on the Olympic Park," Britain's Sports Minister, Helen Grant, said.

"The 2018 Women's World Cup will give us an opportunity to take the women's game to new heights, and inspire both women and children to participate."

Both India, host of the last men's event in 2010, and England went through a series of steps before being awarded the 2018 showpiece competitions, which will feature increased 16-nation fields - currently 12 teams compete.

They first had to submit bid questionnaires in August, before the second phase got underway, which saw each bid evaluated in detail with site visits taking place.

FIH chief executive Kelly Fairweather (centre) with World Cup bid winning chief executives Sally Munday of England Hockey (left) and Hockey India's Elena Norman (right)

"The decision certainly was not an easy one to make," said FIH chief executive Kelly Fairweather.

"All of the bids that we received were exceptional, being completely in line with our strategy to deliver the most entertaining, exciting and inspiring hockey events in the world.

"The FIH Executive Board were hugely impressed by the bids from England Hockey and Hockey India, and are convinced that both National Associations will deliver absolutely magnificent tournaments."

The next World Cups are being held simultaneously in The Hague, Netherlands, next June.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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