India is pulling hockey teams from the Birmingham Commonwealth

MUMBAI, Oct 6 (Reuters) – India has withdrawn its hockey team from next year’s Birmingham Commonwealth, citing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and a brief twist before China’s Asian Games, which are qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 28 to August 8, and the Asian Games in Hangzhou begin on September 10th.

In a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra and reviewed by Reuters, the Hockey Federation said the Asian Games are a priority.

“Referring to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have found over the last 18 months that England has been the worst affected country in Europe,” Hockey India chief Gyanendro Ningombam wrote.

“… The Asian Games are the qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics and with the priorities of the Asian Games in mind, Hockey India cannot take a risk on members of Indian teams who become infected with COVID-19 during the Commonwealth Games.”

According to Ningombam, quarantine measures for Indians arriving in Britain, even if they were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, were “highly unfortunate” and would affect the performance of athletes.

The decision was made the day after England raised “several COVID-related concerns” and withdrew from the Men’s Hockey Junior World Championships to be held in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar from 24 November to December. 5.

Batra, who is also head of the Global Hockey Governing Body (FIH), said the decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games is “final.”

“It’s the alliance’s decision to put the Asian Games first. I can’t force anyone to reconsider,” Batra told Reuters on Wednesday.

India and Britain have also been involved in successive quarantine measures for international entrants.

Visiting UK nationals must be subject to compulsory quarantine, even if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sudipto Ganguly reporting; edited by Peter Rutherford

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