The upcoming FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in South Africa was put on hold, following the outbreak of a new coronavirus variant in South Africa. The ninth edition of the biennial tournament was to be held from December 5 to 16. The International Hockey Federation (FIH), the South African Hockey Association, and the North-West University of Potchefstroom have jointly decided to put the tournament on hold.
“The safety of everyone involved in the FIH events is an absolute priority. Additionally, many countries, including some of the participating teams, have now strongly increased their travel restrictions with South Africa, including halting flights. Therefore, it simply isn’t possible to maintain this event as planned. This is hugely disappointing. An FIH Junior World Cup is so important for the development of young players,” said FIH CEO Thierry Weil in a release.
The FIH said it will “keep monitoring the situation” and make a decision about the potential staging of the tournament as soon as it will be possible to do so.
“Also, it was the first time that an FIH World Cup was due to take place on African soil. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank all teams for their understanding. As well as the local organizers for their great work and collaboration. FIH will keep monitoring the situation. And make a decision about the potential staging of the 2021 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. As soon as it will be possible to do so.” he added further
The new variant was first detected in South Africa this week. On Friday, the WHO said the number of cases of B.1.1.529 is increasing in almost all of South Africa’s provinces. A number of countries around the world have now decided to ban or restrict travel to and from southern Africa.