FIH Pro League -- India's double header with New Zealand postponed due to COVID-19

THE INDIAN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM'S upcoming tie against New Zealand has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On 23rd and 24th of May, India were scheduled to face the Kiwis twice as part of their FIH Pro League campaign. The games were expected to be played in Bhubaneswar.

The decision was taken after the Federation of International Hockey decided to postpone all Pro League fixtures up till July-August due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

As things stand, India have played 6 matches in their Pro League campaign, winning two outright, two after penalty shoot-outs and losing twice. They are 4th on the league table with 10 points. New Zealand are strugling with 7 points from 8 matches.

India are on the 4th place and stood a chance to break into the top two if they won both of the matches at Bhubaneswar.

Belgium are leading the table with 14 points from 6 matches, closely followed by Australia and Netherlands.

Elena Norman, CEO of Hockey India, said the decision to postpone the matches, however disappointing, was caused by "unavoidable circumstances."

India remains under lockdown as the government continues to battle to halt the spread of the virus.