The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Wednesday that its premier event, the 12th men's hockey World Cup, played by the 12 top nations, will in principle be staged in New Delhi over two weeks in February 2010 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium.

The 2010 World Cup will be a joint venture between the FIH and the Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) and is a result of the 'Project Promoting Indian hockey', a new initiative between the FIH and the IHC, aimed to return Indian hockey, men and women, to the world's highest level.

The World Cup Governing Board was also announced. Former Dutch International Andr� Bolhuis is its chairman.

The hockey World Cup was first held in Barcelona, Spain in 1971, when Pakistan won the title. Since then the event has travelled to nine countries and seen five different winners hold the Cup aloft. India hosted the World Cup in 1982 in Mumbai.

Final confirmation of the decision to stage the World Cup in 2010 will be taken in March 2008 and depend upon achievement of set targets both in relation to the project and the organization of the World Cup.

"This is a special day for the FIH and Indian Hockey," FIH president Els van Breda Vriesman said.

"We are delighted to be back in India with the World Cup for the first time since 1982. The improvement of Indian hockey is critical for the sport's future, both in India and internationally.

'It is our great wish that the IHC demonstrates the commitment and passion to deliver this landmark event. The hockey World Cup is the FIH's highest profile event. It is our goal that the 2010 World Cup will be the most successful event in the history of hockey -- that is the challenge we have set ourselves', the FIH president added.

IHC president KPS Gill was elated by the announcement.

"The IHC is extremely pleased that the FIH decided to entrust the organization of the World Cup to India. It is a great honour for the country and we must now work with diligence and spirit to repay the faith that has been shown in Indian hockey.

"The IHC is fully committed to the Project and to the success of the World Cup. We will do our utmost to meet the expectations of the world governing body to ensure the event is a success and also the expectations of the Indian sporting public to witness the return of our team to the podium in a major event."

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