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India withdraw hockey teams from Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 8, with the Asian Games in Hangzhou starting on Sept. 10.

Indian women's hockey team, Olympics
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Indian women's hockey team

Sudipto Ganguly | Reuters
India has withdrawn its hockey teams from next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham citing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic and a short turnaround before the Asian Games in China, a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 8, with the Asian Games in Hangzhou starting on Sept. 10.

In a letter addressed to Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra, and reviewed by Reuters, the hockey federation said the Asian Games were the priority.

"With reference to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we have observed over the last 18 months that England has been the worst