India will host the 2018 men's hockey World Cup, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on Friday.
The country is now set to host the event for the second time in eight years, having organised the 2010 hockey World Cup in New Delhi, which was won by Australia. Meanwhile, England will host the 2018 women's World Cup.
"We are 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," read a statement on the FIH website.
The women's World Cup is scheduled from 7 to 21 July, while the men's event has been planned for 1 to 16 December.
"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018. 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," said FIH president Leandro Negre.
The 2014 World Cup will be in The Hague, Netherlands, in the first two weeks of June. The 2018 edition will see the number of competing teams increasing to 16, in both men's and women's tournaments.
