Mixed-gender teams are a rarity in sport. While shooting has laid the marker with disciplines that involve a team to comprise of both genders, it appears hockey is likely to be the next sport that might follow suit with a variant of its own.
In a unique move, the Hockey 5s National Championships for men and women currently underway in Pune will also see an exhibition mixed team event on Saturday, The Hindu reported.
According to the report, eight teams will field sides that comprise of at least four women. Regulations state that two women players would have to be present on field at all times.
“This is the first time such a thing is being attempted,” Hockey Maharashtra secretary Manoj Bhore was quoted as saying. “It’s a new idea and we are trying to see how it goes. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is also keeping a close watch on it to see its potential,” he added.
Furthermore, the mixed-team event will be telecast live on the International Olympic Council’s online channel.
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra will be participating in the eight-team tournament.
