New Delhi: India will host the men’s World Cup in 2018, the international hockey federation (FIH) announced in Switzerland on Thursday. England have been given the rights to organise the women’s World Cup the same year.

This is the third time India will play host to the world’s biggest hockey event after 1982 (Mumbai) and 2010 (New Delhi). “The women’s tournament in England is scheduled to take place from 7-21 July 2018, with the men’s event in India planned for 1-16 December 2018,” an FIH media release said. “Both the men’s and women’s World Cups 2018 will feature an increased 16-nation field of participants”, the release added.

Apart from India and England, two other nations — Malaysia and New Zealand also submitted their bid for hosting the prestigious championships. Australia also showed interest only to withdraw their bid around a month ago. “I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India (HI) on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018”, FIH president Leandro Negre said.

“The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is greatly looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India. I would also like to congratulate all of the national associations that submitted bids for these events.,” added the former Spanish international.