FIH Olympic Qualifiers: International Hockey is all set to return to Pakistan after 19 years. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has granted the hosting rights of the Olympic qualifiers to the country on Monday, 10th July. Lahore will be the host city of the tournament. With this, there is a possibility of the Indian team travelling to the country next year. Pakistan will host the tournaent from 13 to 24 January 2024.
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Pakistan last hosted an FIH event way back in 2004. The Pakistan Hockey Federation has successfully convinced the FIH to allocate the hosting rights of the Olympic qualifiers to the country. Eight teams will be in action in the tournament. Top three teams will be earning the qualification to the Olympics.
“Pakistani hockey fans have been deprived of seeing international hockey stars at home for 20 years. The FIH Olympic qualifiers will no doubt boost the sport in Pakistan again,” said Haider Hussain, the Secretary-General of the FIH. “We are happy many countries supported our stance that if international hockey returns to Pakistan it will help boost the game again in the country,” he added.
How can teams qualify for Olympics in Hockey?
According to the FIH’s qualification system for the Paris Games, the competition will feature 12 men’s and women’s teams.
The host country France will receive a direct berth in both sections. Five continental champions from Africa, Pan America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania will qualify directly.
India will qualify to the Olympic directly if they win the Asian Games. If India manages to achieve this, they need not have to travel to Pakistan.
The FIH will hold two Olympic Qualification Tournaments. Eight teams each (a total of 16 teams) will compete to fill the remaining six spots.
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