The decision follows in the wake of the Russian military’s invasion of the Ukraine that begun a week ago.

The governing body follows other sporting codes such as football, rugby and athletics to ban Russian athletes and sportsmen and women from competing in international events.

The FIH confirmed the decision in a brief statement.

“Following yesterday’s recommendation by the IOC to avoid the participation of Russian athletes and officials in international competitions - in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants – the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken the decision to exclude Russia from the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup scheduled from 1 to 12 April in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

“Earlier this week, FIH had expressed its full solidarity with the members of Ukraine’s hockey community at this terrible time.

“FIH is in regular contact with the Hockey Association of Ukraine and is doing its utmost to offer any support it can, in the hope that the Ukrainian team will be able to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup.

“FIH expresses its strong hope for a peaceful resolution rapidly.”

Russia was originally in Group C for the World Cup along with Argentina, India and Japan.

At this stage, it’s unclear if the FIH will name a replacement team to compete in Potchefstroom next month.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport