Indian women hockey team's Pro League matches against England cancelled

Pro League matches against England, which were earlier postponed due to COVID-related issues in the English side, have been cancelled, handing the Savita-led side the top position in the standings. The two matches were initially scheduled for April 2 and 3 at the Kalinga Staium here but postponed due to a high number of COVID-19 cases and injuries in the England team.

The Indian team has now been awarded six points -- three each for a match -- for the two cancelled games. "The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between India and England (Women), initially scheduled on 2 and 3 April in Bhubaneswar, India, but postponed due to a high number of COVID cases and injuries affecting the English team, will unfortunately be cancelled, eventually," the world governing body said in a statement.

"Indeed, despite all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates could be found to reschedule the matches in India. Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the 2 nations that the 6 points available for these 2 matches will be awarded to India." With six points from the two cancelled matches, India leapfrogged Olympic champions Netherlands to occupy the top position in the standings with 22 points.

The Dutch are second at 19 points while Germany (13) are third. India had beaten the Netherlands 2-1 in the first match of the two-legged tie here on Friday before losing 1-3 in the shootout in the second game on Saturday.