23 August 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the FIH Hockey Pro League participating nations are glad to confirm as below the venues that will be used for the fourth season of FIH’s global league for national teams – ‘Hockey at its Best’ – which will run from 28 October 2022 to 5 July 2023: Australia: Newcastle, Hobart Argentina: Mendoza, Santiago del Estero Belgium: Antwerp England: London India: Bhubaneswar, Rourkela Netherlands: Eindhoven, Amsterdam New Zealand: Christchurch, Wellington As already announced in March, a new schedule – based on a series of “mini-tournaments” where several teams will gather in one venue to play two matches against each other – will come into force for this new Pro League season. This format will have a major positive impact on players’ welfare and the environment, thanks to a substantial reduction in the amount of travel needed for each team and the officials. Another great advantage of this revised format is that it increases the number of dates available for athletes to compete in their domestic leagues and club competitions. Furthermore, this season will see the implementation of a promotion-relegation principle for the very first time, with the team finishing last being relegated, while the team winning the 2022 FIH Hockey Nations Cup – a new event – being promoted for the 2023-2024 Pro League season. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The integration of the promotion-relegation principle will substantially add to the excitement around Pro League. Also, the new format is beneficial to everyone, athletes, National Associations, clubs and fans in particular. We’re glad to welcome some new venues for this season; this is great for the growth of our sport! We’re very much looking forward to the fourth edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League!” The FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-2023 match schedule, including the match timings, is available here. #FIHProLeague #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

10 August 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: The recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England and a series of test matches between Poland, Austria and Chile have made some impact upon the FIH World Rankings among both the men’s and women’s nations. While there have been shifts and movements up and down the table, the top of the men’s and women’s rankings remains unaltered. Australia men, victors in Birmingham for the seventh consecutive time, are sitting at the top of the men’s rankings with 2851 points. Belgium (2742) and Netherlands (2646) are in second and third place. Germany (2340) men sit in fourth place, while a silver at the Commonwealth Games helped India (2294) maintain its position in fifth, just ahead of Commonwealth Games bronze medallists England (2158) in sixth. Argentina (2082) and Spain (1849) are in seventh and eighth position respectively, while New Zealand’s (1778) fifth place in Birmingham means the Black Sticks remain in ninth. Further down the table, South Africa men’s (1450) impressive fourth place finish at the Commonwealth Games sees them move to 14th, one place ahead of Canada (1421). Wales (1383) remain in 16th while Pakistan’s (1333) performances over the two week long competition sees them rooted to 18th spot. Scotland (1159) are also non-shifters in 21st position. Chile (959), Austria (1169) and Ireland (1469) are currently involved in a three-team test series. The results so far have favoured Ireland as the Green Army has moved from 14th to 13th. Austria remain in 19th place while Chile sit at 23rd. In the women’s rankings there is no movement in the top three. Netherlands (3155) continue to top the table as they have for the past decade. Argentina (2714) are in second placed with Australia (2589) in third after a silver medal win in Birmingham. England (2289), who won their first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal have jumped to fourth place, with Germany (2189), Belgium (2159) and Spain (2143) in fifth, sixth and seventh respectively. New Zealand’s (1995) fourth place finish hasn’t altered their position at eighth, and India (1953) are just behind in ninth position. China (1805) make up the top 10, ahead of Asian rivals Japan (1693) and Korea (1649). Canada’s (1421) performance in Birmingham helped them move up to 14th; Scotland (1224) are unmoved at 17th and South Africa (1151) remains at 20th in the rankings. Wales (961) dropped from 23rd to 24th. Kenya’s (604) first appearance at the Commonwealth Games saw then move up two place to 37th, after a win over neighbouring Ghana in the classification match. Ghana (684) drop one spot to 32nd. To see the complete FIH World Rankings, please click here. The rankings calculations model that FIH introduced on 1st January 2020 moved away from the previous tournament-based rankings system to a dynamic, match-based method where opposing teams exchange points in official, FIH sanctioned games. The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. More information about the new rankings model can be found below. How the FIH World Rankings work: The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. FIH World Rankings explained: Based on the Elo rating system, which is used as the basis of many other sports ranking systems When two nations play against each other, a number of ranking points are exchanged between them In every match, the number of points gained by one team is exactly matched by the number of points lost by the other Teams will win more points for beating teams ranked above them, and therefore teams will lose more points for losing to a team ranked below them Teams will win less points for beating teams ranked below them, and therefore teams will lose less points for losing to a team ranked above them If a draw occurs, the lower ranked team will gain a small number of points and the higher ranked team will lose the same number of points The number of points exchanged is dependent on the result of the match (win, lose, shootout win/loss or draw), the importance of the match (part of a major tournament, or a test series for example), and the relative difference in ranking points between the teams before the match. More details about the formula used in the algorithm, weightings of matches and other factors can be found HERE together with a Frequently Asked Questions document HERE. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.

8 August 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland:The day began with England out-scoring South Africa in a breathless bronze medal match. While in the final Australia put on a goalscoring clinic, brushing India aside as they struck gold. Match reports: England 6 South Africa 3 (Bronze medal match men) England, buoyed by a loud home crowd, beat South Africa in a high-scoring affair to earn the bronze medal. The first quarter was tense, as both sides looked to work each other out. South Africa had the opening couple of chances, Keenan Horne and Daniel Bell seeing efforts blocked and saved by a firm English defence. As England pushed-back Commonwealth Games top-scorer Nicholas Bandurak had a goal disallowed after just over 10 minutes. A tight opening quarter eventually ended goalless. The second period of this game turned out to be a contender for the most entertaining of the whole tournament. The carnage began when after 18 minutes Matthew Guise-Brown scored from a penalty corner. England responded straight away, with a first ever international goal from Rhys Smith. South Africa were ahead again in the blink of an eye, as Mustapha Cassiem slotted past England keeper Oliver Payne. Once again it was a rapid response from England, who equalised for the second time in the quarter via cracking strike from Liam Ansell. A great referral from England skipper Zachary Wallace won his side a penalty corner with 5 minutes left of the period, and Samuel Ward cashed in, putting the hosts 3-2 ahead. The game’s sixth goal came on the stroke of half-time, as Nqobile Ntuli restored parity between the sides. A remarkable quarter ended with the scores tied at 3-3. The players emerged from a well-earned half-time break and a far quieter period ensued. England were temporarily down to 10 after a green card but South Africa could not capitalise. Instead, England took the lead once again, a powerful strike from Phillip Roper 5 minutes from the final break. Despite some late pressure from the hosts the players took their final break with the score 4-3, and the destination of the bronze medal far from decided. In the last 15 of hockey for both sides in this year’s games it was England that drew first blood, Roper getting the final touch following a Sam Ward shot. With 5 minutes to go, trailing by 2 goals, South Africa committed to 11 outfield players as they looked to claw themselves back into medal contention. However, with 90 seconds left on the clock England’s Wallace tucked home a penalty stroke to wrap up a 6-3 win, and the bronze medal, for the hosts. Phillip Roper (ENG): “It feels pretty special right now. It’s a really special changing room we have got, and to come away with something is the icing on the cake.” Zachary Wallace (ENG): “I am absolutely buzzing. It’s my first senior medal and it has felt like a hell of a long time coming.” “Over [the course of] this tournament, everyone has seen that this group is on the right path.” “I really feel we are going places, and everyone has got a taste of the medal success.” David Condon (ENG): “We came here to be on the podium. On a personal level I didn’t get picked for Tokyo [2020 Olympic Games] so I was gutted about that. But I’ve been training with this moment in mind, so now it happened I’m really emotional. I cried out there.” Tim Drummond (RSA): “Besides being tired? I’m proud. This is an exceptionally proud moment for the whole group. We didn’t get the medal but, for a bit of perspective, we have come a long way since February when we were conceding a lot of goals and losing many games to some of these top teams.” “We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to work on, going forward to the World Cup.” Gowan Jones (RSA): “It was tough out there. The English guys played a structured game – they move the ball really fast.” “It was good for three-quarters of the game, and then they got the better of us at the end.” Australia 7 India 0 (Gold medal match men) A rampant Australia brushed aside India to keep up their 100% Commonwealth Games gold medal streak. Australia began the first quarter with a spell of early pressure as they looked to win an astonishing 7th gold medal in a row. After 9 minutes it was the ever-dangerous Blake Govers that opened the scoring in the final, firing home from a penalty corner. With just a minute left in the opening 15 Nathan Ephraums doubled the Kookaburras lead, rounding out a dominant first period for Australia. The Aussies continued their relentless pressure into the second quarter, looking to dominate their Asian opponents. After 22 minutes the lead was suddenly 3-0 when Jacob Anderson scored from a penalty corner. Just 5 minutes later Australia found their 4th without reply as Tom Wickham fired in. Anderson’s second of the period increased the lead to 5-0 by half-time. A devastating first 30 saw Australia have one hand on the trophy, while India had a mountain to climb to get back into the tie. As was the theme of the match the third quarter was again one-sided, as the Kookaburras saw attack as the best form of defence, creating multiple opportunities. Only 1 further goal was added, thanks to Ephraums 3 minutes before the final break. Australia were 7-up inside a minute of the final quarter, Flynn Ogilvie with the strike. The Kookaburras did continue to create more opportunities to extend a big lead even further, but the busy PR Sreejesh in the Indian goal managed to make the saves required to avoid further damage. As the hooter brought the curtain down on the hockey at the 2022 Commonwealth Games it was seven-heaven for the Kookaburras, 7 final goals securing a 7th consecutive gold medal as their utter dominance of the tournament and final was written

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7 August 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: The day began with India’s women securing bronze medal via a dramatic shoot-out, while Canada earnt 5th spot. In the afternoon the women’s gold medal match saw England win their first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in front of a delirious home crowd. The day ended with New Zealand’s men securing 5th place, a game that saw Wales confirm their highest ever games finish. Match reports: New Zealand 1 (1) India 1 (2) (Bronze medal women) India edged past New Zealand via a shoot-out against New Zealand to claim the bronze medal. As both sides looked to grab a medal it was a back and forth first quarter as the teams looked to assert themselves. Megan Hull was denied from a penalty corner, while India duo Sangita Kumari and Salima Tete were also had opportunities. The Black Sticks’ Katie Doar was shown a green card with a couple of minutes to go in the opening 15 but India could not take advantage of the extra body. India started the second quarter on top, forcing Black Sticks keeper Grace O’Hanlon into action on a couple of occasions. India eventually found the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time, the dangerous looking Tete slotting home to put her side 1-0 up. The Indian team continued to press the Black Sticks following the half-time interval, Neha and Lalremsiami both seeing efforts blocked. After India forced a penalty corner which was dealt with by New Zealand the Black Sticks began to carve out a few chances of their own. Alia Jaques, Olivia Merry and Rose Tynan all had a go but could not score the all-important equaliser. The players took their final break with the destination of the bronze medal still uncertain. The final quarter began with a barrage of Indian attacks, Kaur Navneet having a pop at goal which was proceeded by a number of penalty corners. The Black Sticks defensive repelled all that was thrown at them as they fought to keep themselves alive in the tie. With 3 minutes to go New Zealand removed keeper O’Hanlon to field 11 outfield players. They were rewarded for their risk-taking when Merry tucked away a last gasp penalty stroke to force the game into a shoot-out. The ever-reliable Hull (NZL) made no mistake with the first goal of the shoot-out, while Kumari (IND) had her effort saved. Ralph (NZL) had two bites of the cherry after she was fouled in her original attempt, but had her re-take saved by India skipper Savita. Sonika (IND) restored parity, before Tynan (NZL) missed. Navneet (IND) scored India’s next, while Doar (NZL) was timed out. Neha (IND) missed the next, but, having to score to keep the shoot-out alive, Shannon (NZL) had her shot saved by Indian hero Savita. India secure their first Commonwealth Games medal since 2006, while 2018 champions New Zealand will have to settle for 4th. Savita (IND):  “I feel great. This match was very tough for us and both teams made a good effort. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, so before we came, we worked every minute and every second. “I am so proud. We fought as a team.” Kaur Navneet (IND):  “They took out their goalkeeper and we got a [yellow] card, so it’s very difficult to defend. They are also a very good team. “We believed in our shootouts and we did it.” “In the semis [shootout], we were in too much of a hurry. Today we thought that we had to just do our own thing, and not care what the [NZL] goalie was doing. That calmness helped us.” Olivia Merry (NZL):   “It’s not our day. Unfortunately India came out to play and we didn’t in those first three quarters. We had a really good last quarter, but it was probably too late.” “I’m proud of the girls that step up and take a shootout. It’s not an easy job to do, and to put your hand up after another shootout loss [in Friday’s semi-final] is incredibly special.” “We had some really good team performances, but probably in the last two games didn’t put on our best performance. It’s a pretty disappointing finish – fourth place is a tough pill to swallow.” Canada 3 Scotland 1 (Classification 5-6 women) Canada beat Scotland in the second match of the morning to equal their best ever Commonwealth Games finish. Canada got off to the perfect start in the first quarter, as after just 4 minutes Hannah Haughn fired her side ahead. Scotland did begin to play themselves back into the tie and forced a couple of penalty corners, the last of which was converted by Amy Costello to restore parity between the sides. An entertaining first quarter ended 1-1. In a mirror image of the first quarter Hannah Haughn put Canada back in front just a minute into the second quarter. Just like in the first period Scotland hit back with a wave of attacking pressure of their own, but they couldn’t beat a stubborn Canadian defensive unit. The North American’s had a little spell of their own attacks as the period progressed but Scotland continued to craft their own opportunities as well. No further scores were added and the first half came to a close with the score 2-1 to Canada. It was to be an even third quarter as both sides battled for 5th place. There were penalty corners for both sides in a back and forth period. Both defensives stayed strong until with 4 minutes left in the 15 Karli Johansen extended the Canadian lead via a penalty corner. To their credit Scotland came out in the final quarter intent on getting themselves back into the game, knowing a win would secure them their best finish since 1998. They crafted chance after chance in the final 15, throwing everything at the Canadian defence and keeper Rowan Harris. The North American’s stayed strong, as Scotland sacrificed their keeper in the 53rd minute. Despite the intense

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6 August 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: The morning session saw a couple of the men’s placings sorted. The day began with Scotland securing 9th place with a big win over Ghana, this was followed by Pakistan edging a high-scoring match against Canada to confirm 7th. The evening session saw the men’s semi-finals contested, starting with India earning a place in the final with a hard-fought win over South Africa. Over in the other semi-final Australia came back from 2-0 down to beat England. Match reports: Scotland 7 Ghana 2 (Classification 9-10 men) Scotland ended their Commonwealth Games campaign with a convincing win over tournament debutants Ghana. The Scots made a fast start to the game, Rob Harwood’s effort going just wide before a Jamie Golden shot was saved by Duisberg Offei in the Ghanaian goal. 7 minutes in Scotland did find the breakthrough, Struan Walker reacting to a shot saved from Cammy Golden. Ghana did have a chance to equalise from a penalty corner but the Scots held firm and the score stayed at 1-0 after the first 15. It was another attacking start from the Scots in the second period, and they doubled their advantage after 19 minutes, Rob Field turning on the style before playing a pass to Cammy Golden who slid the ball past Offei. Ghana kept their heads up and began to play themselves back into the tie, a fast break from the Africans required a top save from Scots keeper David Forrester. The keeper had to think fast again when making a tackle to deny another Ghana chance. Despite the pressure the Scots held onto their 2-0 lead heading into half-time. Ghana did manage to grab a goal early into the third quarter, as Emmanuel Ankomah fired home. Scotland used this wake-up call and after 36 minutes extended their lead to 3-1 via a top corner drag flick from Jamie Golden from a penalty corner. Ghana were temporarily reduced to 9 men after a couple of cards but the Scots couldn’t capitalise as the players took their final break. Playing in their final quarter of this year’s games Scotland flew out of the blocks in the final 15, Harwood deflecting a Walker pass home to make it 4-1. Just a minute later it was 5 for the Scots when Callum Duke fired into the corner. A rampant Scotland got their 6th of the game after Jamie Golden grabbed his second, and it was soon 7 when Lee Morton got on the scoresheet. Ghana kept on going and were duly rewarded when Francis Tettey slid in and scored from an Ankomah shot for the final score of the game which left the scoreboard at 7-2. Pakistan 4 Canada 3 (Classification 7-8 men) Pakistan edged an entertaining match to secure 7th place in the Commonwealth Games. A tight first 15 between two competitive sides yielded little in the way of clear-cut opportunities. Canada will probably feel as though they had the better of it, forcing a few penalty corners and seeing Brendan Guraliuk denied by Pakistan keeper Akmal Hussain. The second quarter burst into life when Abdul Rana and Ghazanfar Ali scored in quick succession as Pakistan raced to a 2-0 lead. After being rocked by the manic few minutes that had just gone by Canada began to counter-punch, winning a series of penalty corners. The pressure eventually told as Matthew Sarmento halved the deficit in the 26th minute, and 4 minutes later Keegan Pereira restored parity on the stroke of half-time. After a breathless second quarter the teams appeared to take stock in the third quarter, and a cagey period ensued. Green cards were shown to both sides during the 15 but neither team could capitalise on the extra man and the score remained 2-2. As the game entered its final quarter both sides were keen to stamp their authority. Pakistan edged ahead in the 52nd minute, Umar Bhutta with the strike. Following a series of chances and penalty corners a frantic final 2 minutes was set up when Sarmento grabbed his second of the game to make it 3-3. Abdul Shahid would prove to be the hero for Pakistan, scoring in the final minute to secure 7th place. India 3 South Africa 2 (Semi-final men) India secured their place in the gold medal match after a hard-fought battle with South Africa. The first semi-final began with a topsy-turvy period as both sides came out raring to book a place in the gold medal match. There was a plethora of chances for both sides from a series of penalty corners, and during open play. As would soon become a theme of the match Gowan Jones in the South African net produced a catalogue of saves. India’s defensive unit stood firm as well and an entertaining first 15 somehow ended goalless. South Africa started the second quarter well, crafting a series of chances from penalty corners, with Matthew Guise-Brown denied on multiple occasions. Unnerved by the one-way traffic India took went up the other end and broke the deadlock, Abhisheck with the strike in the 20th minute. A period of Indian pressure followed, and Jones was again called into action, producing more saves to add to his tally for the day. 2 minutes from the end of the period Jones was finally beaten again as Mandeep Singh doubled the Indian lead. This left South Africa with plenty to muse over at the half-time interval. Knowing they needed to find an extra gear in the third quarter South Africa put their foot on the gas, producing a wave of attacks. A series of penalty corners was eventually capitalised upon for the Africans when Ryan Julius struck in the 33rd minute. An encouraging quarter for South Africa continued as they continued to pepper the Indian goal. However, they were met by a dogged defensive and an impressive Krishan Bahadur Pathak in the Asian’s goal. The game entered its final chapter with the final place anything but secure. Both sides

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