Men’s Hockey World Cup Records: Most Appearances by a Team in the Hockey Matches
Know about the team that has had the maximum number of appearances in the hockey matches until now and the records they made.
Image Credit: facebook.com/bhagwan news
The only teams to have competed in all 15 men’s hockey World Cup tournaments are the Indian men’s hockey team, the Netherlands, and Spain. After being disqualified from the 2014 and 2023 tournaments, Pakistan has participated in the last 13 editions. In 2023, England, Australia, and Argentina will all compete in their 14th World Cup.
Earlier Detailed View
The World Cup of Hockey is currently the top solo hockey competition in the world for both men and women. It was designed to take the game beyond the Olympics. The Hockey World Cup has over the years carved out its place of relevance alongside the Summer Games, even if the Olympics are still regarded as “blue ribbon” events.
Advertisement
The first men’s hockey World Cup competition took place in Barcelona, Spain, in 1971. Interestingly, the 1971 tournament was previously scheduled to take place in Pakistan but was moved to Spain because of political unrest in Asia at the time. Despite not being awarded the hosting rights, Pakistan defeated Spain in the hockey men’s World Cup final to claim the title.
In addition, Australia has played the most offensive hockey at the World Cups, accumulating 307 goals in 92 games for an average of 3.3 goals per match. The next highest striking averages belong to the Netherlands and Pakistan, with 2.67 and 2.64 goals per game, respectively, scored each game. Australia has a stellar defensive record at World Cups, conceding just 107 goals in 92 games, or 1.16 goals per game.
The Chronology
At one point, it appeared that Pakistan wouldn’t make it past the first round since it was expected that the Netherlands would defeat Japan in the final match of Pool B, disqualifying Pakistan from the tournament. Pakistan has also enjoyed the greatest success in the men’s hockey World Cup, taking home four championships (1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994). Australia and the Netherlands have each won three World Cups. Germany is the only other hockey team with numerous World Cup triumphs, having claimed two.
The only nations to have participated in all 14 seasons are India, the Netherlands, and Spain, and all three will be present at the 2019 World Cup, giving them a total of 15 consecutive appearances. Pakistan is the only participant who won’t be in the 2023 edition, joining Argentina, Australia, England, and other countries. In all, 26 nations have participated in the men’s World Cup’s 14 iterations. Chile and Wales will bring the total to 28 with their first-time participation in the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.
The three teams that have participated in each of the previous 14 world cups together are Spain, India, and the Netherlands. Pakistan is the only team not participating in the 2023 edition; the other teams are Australia, Argentina, Pakistan, and England.
“Get more sports news, cricket news, and football updates, log on to sportsdigest.in. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.”