Hockey qualifies for Birmingham 2022!

Commonwealth Games Federation confirms Welsh Hockey has qualified for the games this summer

The CGF has announced today that Team Wales Hockey will join the list of qualifiers for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This will be the sport’s seventh Games, with Hockey featuring in every Games since its debut in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, as well as appearing in the first Commonwealth Youth Games in 2000.

It’s always nice to see our qualification rubber stamped so we can look firmly ahead to the lead up to Birmingham 2022, even though, with the positive 2021 both senior teams had, it’s ended up being a comfortable formality. The Commonwealth Games will always hold a significant place in the hearts of our players as for many it is a milestone experience to be involved in. Excitement is certainly evident as the event approaches. We are already feeling that buzz in anticipation of coming together with other Welsh sports to create the ‘Team Wales’ collective. Both men’s and women’s squads have a clear aspiration to make this our best Commonwealth Games on the pitch, with the hard work already well underway.” Kevin Johnson, Hockey Wales Director of Performance

Both the Men’s and Women’s teams have qualified for Birmingham 2022, where they hope to build on their strong position at the previous Gold Coast 2018 games, where both teams won one game each, and finished in 9th place.

It is with great pleasure we announce that both our women and men have qualified for Birmingham. Representing your country at an event such as the Commonwealth Games is such an honour. It is the highest accolade for any Welsh athlete. With the games in Birmingham this year, it’s even more special as it should feel like a home Games with more family and friends able to attend and support.” Ria Burrage-Male, Hockey Wales Chief Executive

Both teams are eager to get to the Games after a successful run since Gold Coast 2018, and with the Games so close to home, their faithful supporters will no doubt be out in force.

Commonwealth Games Wales CEO Chris Jenkins added; “It’s great news that both hockey teams have again qualified for the Games. With the pandemic there’s been so much uncertainty within sport, it’s a testament to Hockey Wales for the planning and work they have done through such a difficult period, and the rewards have been clear to see over the last 12 months or so. We look forward to seeing the players in their Team Wales kit, making the country proud.

You can read the full list of qualified teams here

Don’t forget to follow the #TeamWales journey to Birmingham on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TeamWales