India get byes to 2nd round in FIH World League

“We have long wanted to start an international competition that goes over multiple rounds and gives every nation a change to reach our elite events. With the World League,we have just that,” he added.

The FIH World League,previously called the World Series,will be played in four rounds.

The first two rounds will take place next year,while the third and fourth rounds will conclude the cycle in 2013. The event will include men and women’s teams.

Teams have until April 1 to confirm their participation in the FIH World League.

“The men’s and women’s teams ranked first through eighth in the FIH World Ranking will receive an automatic bye to Round Three.

“Teams ranked in the next tier,9th-16th will get an automatic ticket to Round Two. FIH World Ranking points will be awarded at each level. The details of the points will be announced at a later date.” the FIH said.

Based on this,India have got byes to the second round in both and men’s and women’s section.

The number of first round tournaments will depend on the entries received by the FIH. .

“It has long been the ambition of the FIH to give every country a chance to make it to the highest possible level,” said Fairweather.

“The World League gives the smaller nations valuable international experience,while allowing them to have the chance to play the role of David against some of the Goliath countries,” he added.