The Indoor World Cup is just around the corner. The men’s and women’s events will be co-hosted in the South African city of Pretoria, between the 5th and 11th of February. The tournament format is quite simple. Two groups of six teams play a round robin style first round competition. The top four qualify directly to the Quarter-Finals, with the bottom two in either pool playing crossover/classification matches order to sort out their respective rankings.
There has been previous five editions of the Indoor World Cup, with the men and women’s competitions being co-hosted each time. The first ever tournament was hosted in Leipzig, Germany, which was won by the Germans themselves, in both gendered events. This championship was originally meant to be held in Liège of Belgium last year, but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Germany has been the most successful national federation in terms of world titles. The men’s and women’s teams actually have an identical record, having taken home three gold medals, a silver medal and a bronze medal. The Netherlands Hockey Board has a similarly strong pedigree within this sporting code. Over the years the women’s programme has won two gold medals and three silvers. The men’s team has set up has added a solitary gold medal.
Background to Indoor Hockey
Indoor hockey originated in Germany, who have subsequently dominated the club and international competitions. It was developed in the 1950’s as an alternative to the outdoor game, during the cold winter months that are prevalent in that region of Europe. The sport quickly spread to their national neighbouring, being played to a high level in Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands. However, other hockey playing countries, who haven’t necessarily found a lot of success in the more well known outdoor code, have also taken to the game. Iran has recently advanced their status, having won the bronze medal at the 2018 men’s World Cup. Alongside Kazakhstan, they are also the most successful of the countries from the Asian Confederation. However, Belarus, Ukraine and Czech Republic have also done well, medalling at world and continental events over the years.
The rules are basically the same as the outdoor version of hockey, however, there are some significant differences. Indoor hockey is 6-a-side, meaning that a team, or national programme can draw upon good players from a smaller talent pool. Matches are 40 minutes long, with a halftime break. The pitches, or courts are somewhat smaller as well, being 18m to 22m wide by 36m to 44m long. The playing surfaces are made of wood, or synthetic materials. There are also wooden boards marking out the sidelines, meaning that the ball can never go off the side of the pitch. Importantly, players are not allowed to lift the ball, except when shooting at goal. This encourages a strong emphasis on passing and movement game plans and plenty of team work.
Indoor World Cup 2023
This year the tournament will be held in Pretoria, which is the administrative capital of South Africa. The city straddles the Apies River and is placed in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains. Businessman and entrepreneur Elon Musk is from Pretoria, as is the now infamous Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend. In terms of sporting pedigree, former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmer Helen Muller hails from the city, as does former South African cricket captain, Francois “Faf” du Plessis. The matches will be played at Heartfelt Arena. Temporary seating has been erected to allow 3,000 spectators to attend. The arena is in the Thaba Tshwane area of Pretoria, that has been previously used for religious gatherings and sporting events.
Men’s Tournament
The 12 teams at this event predominately qualified through their respective continental championships. The 2019 Indoor Asia Cup was won by Iran, with Kazakhstan joining them as runners-up. It’s a similarly story with South Africa and Namibia, who both got to the final of the 2021 Indoor Africa Cup. Argentina and the United States represent the Pan American region. Four national teams qualified for the World Cup through the 2020 EuroHockey Championships. Germany took the title, but pulled out of this year’s World Cup. Russia will also not be taking up their place because of the invasion of Ukraine. New Zealand and Australia have both been invited to participate in their stead.
The withdrawal of Germany is a sad one for the tournament, as the second highest ranked men’s team in the world (number one for the women), they would have been one of the contenders for medal positions. However, Austria, as the number one ranked side and the current holders of the trophy from the 2018 event will be involved and favourites to regain their title. They will face competition from Iran, who came third in 2018, as well as the Czech Republic and Netherlands. The hosts South Africa come in off the back of their recent outdoor World Cup campaign, with some of the same squad members. Brothers Dayaan and Mustaphaa Cassiem will be looking to lead their country’s attack.
Women’s Tournament
Similarly with the men’s tournament, Germany has withdraw from the tournament. Also, Belarus, who won the Indoor EuroHockey Championships, has been barred from participation due to their government’s support for the war in Ukraine. This decision has been taken on the advice of the International Olympic Committee. Australia and New Zealand will also be there, on an invitational basis, representing the Oceanic region. The Netherlands will be the favourites as the highest ranked side in the tournament and were finalists in the 2018 event. Ukraine will also be looking to medal, as well. One of the better indoor teams in Europe, they have several experienced players, including captain Yevheniia Moroz.
Canada has shown themselves to be one of the up and coming hockey playing countries in recent years. After their outdoor World Cup performance they have also qualified for this indoor championship. They are starting to emerge as one of the top hockey programmes in the Pan American region. Goalkeeper Rowan Harris is in the squad. She has recently appeared on the Half Court Press Podcast. You can listen to her interview here. The Czech Republic will also be looking to medal. They are one of the teams who are stronger at the indoor code than the outdoor game. Katerina Lacina is one of their top players and has had a stint with the East Grinstead indoor side. She has also appeared on the Half Court Press Podcast. You can listen to the episode here.
Indoor hockey, when played well, is a fantastic spectacle. This World Cup should provide plenty of entertainment, with some diversity on show as well. It will be interesting to watch national teams from countries that are less well known within the hockey community. I will be looking forward to seeing how they approach the game. If you are watching then let us know what you think via social media…
