The year 2016 was an action-packed time in men's hockey, especially with the Rio Olympics being the major event of the year. Argentina were impressive in the competition, as they beat Belgium in the final to take home their first Olympic men's hockey gold medal. They will hope to play some brilliant hockey in 2017 as well.
Though Argentina won gold, it is Australia who are the number one team in the world. All the top teams of the world will hope to shine in the World Hockey League, with the semifinals and the finals scheduled to take place in June and December, respectively.
But before major action begins at the international level, all eyes will be on India, as the Hockey India League will start the year. The competition will be held from January 22 to February 26. The league, which will last for more than a month, will witness some top players from around the world battling it out in their respective franchises.
India, who showed a fair performance at Rio Olympics, have been playing some decent hockey, and are currently ranked sixth in the world. They are the best team in Asia. India will be aiming to win the Asia Cup, which will take place in September and October.
Besides these tournaments, teams will also participate in the EuroHockey Nations Championships, South East Asian Games, Oceania Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, among other events during the year.
Here is a complete look at the 2017 hockey calendar
Hockey India League
January 22- February 26 in India
World League Round 2
March 4-12 in Bangladesh
March 11-19 in Ireland
March 25-April 2 in Trinidad
EuroHockey League Final 4
3,4 June in Netherlands
World League Semi-final
June 15-25 in England
June 8-23 in South Africa
EuroHockey Nations Championships 4
July 31 – August 5
EuroHockey Nations Championships 2
August 6-12 in Scotland
Africa Cup of Nations
August 18-27 (tentative)
South East Asian Games
August 19-31 (tentative) in Malaysia
Asia Cup
September 30 - October 8
World League Final
December 2-10 in India
Oceania Cup – Dates to be confirmed
