This comes due to the war in the East European country. Because of the situation Ukrainian Hockey Association has withdrawn their team despite tireless efforts to try to make it possible.

The FIH has decided not to replace Ukraine and the event will be played by 15 teams. Ukraine was set to play in Pool B of the tournament alongside the hosts, South Africa, as well as England and Ireland.

The FIH confirmed the withdrawal in a statement.

“The Ukrainian Hockey Association has informed us today that their Women’s Junior team will not be able to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup eventually, despite its tireless efforts to try to make it possible. This is of course a very sad situation, first and foremost for all members of the team, especially the players, and I would like, on behalf of FIH, to reassert our full solidarity with the Ukrainian hockey community at this terrible time. I would also like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Hockey Associations of Poland and the Netherlands, as well as the Dutch club of HV Victoria, for their tremendous efforts in providing support to the team in the last couple of weeks. We wish a lot of strength to everyone within the Ukrainian hockey community. Our thoughts are with them. And we hope that peace will be restored as soon as possible”, FIH CEO Thierry Weil stated.

“The team of Ukraine will not be replaced. Therefore, the event will be played with 15 teams, with Pool B comprising of South Africa, England and Ireland. The matches of Ukraine will be cancelled.”

Last month the global governing body withdrew Russia due to its military invasion of the Ukraine, and they were replaced by Austria.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport