Five teams announced for upcoming Masters World Cups

The Hockey Australia Masters Committee (HAMC) has announced that five men’s teams of various age categories will represent Australia at the next Masters Hockey World Cup.

Following the call for nominations of players and team officials in preparation for the upcoming Masters World Cups, the HAMC advises teams will be selected in the following age groups to participate at the showpiece tournaments:

• Over 40 Men (Nottingham, UK)
• Over 60 Men (Tokyo, Japan)
• Over 65 Men (Tokyo, Japan)
• Over 70 Men (Tokyo, Japan)
• Over 75 Men (Tokyo, Japan)

The tournament for the Over 40 Men will take place from 12-21 August 2022 in Nottingham, England. The other four age categories to compete for Australia (Over 60, 65, 70, 75 Men) will compete in Tokyo, Japan from 19-29 October 2022.

“It is an honour to represent Australia, and HAMC wanted to provide this opportunity to as many participants as possible,” said HAMC Chair, Sue Briggs.

“HAMC reviewed the number of nominations received in each age group to confirm which teams may be selected.”

“The decision to select or not select teams was carefully considered and involved robust discussions.”

“Unfortunately insufficient nominations were received to support team selection in any of the Women’s age groups and in Men’s 35s, 45s, 50s, and 55s.”

A refund of nomination fees will be made to those players now ineligible for selection.

Players selections for each of the five teams will be based on the criteria shared by HAMC and the information players provided with their nomination form, which includes performance at this month’s Invitational Event and/or a range of assessment criteria.

While the teams and age groups have been identified, Briggs said it was important to emphasise the chance that the events may not go ahead.

“While we have announced which Australian teams will take part, all players and officials need to be aware there is no certainty of participation,” said Briggs.

“The viability of the teams travelling to their respective World Cups may be affected by risk assessments undertaken by Hockey Australia, the possibility of changing conditions due to COVID in the locations hosting the events and any decisions made by World Masters Hockey in proceeding with any of the given events.”

With the Masters Invitational Events being held later this month and in March, Briggs said it was great for Masters players to be able to come back together to play at a national level after such a long hiatus due to COVID.

“On behalf of HAMC, I wish all players participating in the Invitational Events an enjoyable ‘back to hockey’ experience,” said Briggs.

“We wish the players who are now eligible for selection for Australian teams a successful tournament and thank those who have taken the time to commit to participate in World Cups and lodge their nominations with HAMC.”

It is expected the teams for the five competing men’s age groups will be announced no later than 31 March 2022.