Russian hockey team focused on Universiade

Just four teams are competing at the University Games in the Russian city with the Euros scheduled at the conclusion of the current competition.

“The situation is that this year, just after the Universiade, there will be the European Championship where 24 teams participate, and they didn’t come to Kazan," national team coach Vladimir Kobzev said.

"We were told that it was not necessary for us to go to the European Championship but we had to focus on the Universiade.

"All others decided not to take the risk," he added. "Plus the World U21 Championship will be held at the same period. And these are those students. After the Universiade a half of the Russian team is going to the European Championship, another half – to the World Championship."

After a group round of the Universiade tournament, the top two teams will play for gold, and third and fourth for bronze.

The final matches of the women’s field hockey tournament will be held on July 14.