Organisers of next year's Women's Hockey World Cup in England have launched a public ticket ballot ©Getty Images

Organisers of next year's Women's Hockey World Cup in England have launched a public ticket ballot following a record-breaking exclusive sales window.

Fans wishing to attend the tournament at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London can apply for tickets to the event from today.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and England Hockey have confirmed applicants can enter the ballot for as many matches as they want, except for games featuring the host nation.

A limit of six tickets per person for games involving England has been implemented.

Successful applicants will be selected at random after the ballot closes on September 6.

Tickets for the tournament, due to take place from July 21 and August 5, will then be placed on general sale later this year.

It comes after tickets for the Women's World Cup were made available to members of hockey clubs affiliated with England Hockey and previous international match purchasers as part of a hockey family priority window.

It gave those in the window the first opportunity to secure a limited amount of tickets.

Tickets for England's matches at the Hockey World Cup have been limited to six per person ©Getty Images
Tickets for England's matches at the Hockey World Cup have been limited to six per person ©Getty Images

According to the FIH, 10,000 tickets were snapped up within the first hour of going on sale.

"This is the first opportunity for the general public to purchase their tickets to one of the biggest events in sport," FIH chief executive Jason McCracken said. 

"Demand has been incredible thanks to outstanding development and promotional work being undertaken by our hosts England Hockey, the success of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and excitement building ahead of the Hockey Pro League which begins in 2019.

“This exceptional demand is certainly an indication that our 10-year hockey revolution strategy is delivering results. 

"Creating big, bold, packed and loud events, showcasing world-class hockey at its best, is key to achieving our aim of making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. 

"As a result we will be working hard to make sure this is an unforgettable event for those both in London and watching around the world.”

The 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup will be the latest major event in the sport to be held in London.

The 2012 Olympic host city also staged the 2015 European Championships and the 2016 Champions Trophy.