The International Hockey Federation (FIH) draw for the Paris 2024 Olympics unfolded on Monday, placing the Indian men's hockey team in Pool B alongside the reigning champions, Belgium. Despite being the world No. 3 in the latest FIH rankings, India is set to be the second-best ranked team in a challenging pool dominated by world No. 2 Belgium.
Pool Composition
The formidable lineup in Pool B includes Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia (world No. 6), Argentina (7), New Zealand (10), and Ireland (11). The Indian team earned its place in the Paris 2024 Olympics by clinching the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The teams were placed in the following order:
Pool A: teams ranked 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 12th
Pool B: teams ranked 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th
As India gears up for the Paris Olympics, they face fierce competition from top-tier teams in Pool B. Belgium poses a significant challenge, and Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland add further intensity to the group.
Men's Hockey Tournament Pools
In Pool A, the Netherlands (world No. 1), Germany (4), Great Britain (5), Spain (8), hosts France (9), and South Africa (14) form the competitive field for the 12-team men's hockey tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Teams secured their spots through continental championships or FIH qualifying tournaments, with pool allocations determined by the January 21 FIH World Rankings.
The Indian men's hockey team made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, securing a bronze medal. This achievement marked India's return to the Olympic podium in hockey after a 41-year gap, showcasing their prowess and determination.
Indian Women's Hockey Team Misses Paris 2024 Olympics
In contrast to the men's success, the Indian women's hockey team faced disappointment as they narrowly missed securing a berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The qualifying tournament in Ranchi concluded last week, leaving the women's team out of the prestigious event.
Reigning champions Netherlands, boasting four titles, headline Pool A in the women's draw. As the top-ranked team in the FIH rankings for women, the Dutch team sets the standard for a highly competitive women's hockey tournament in Paris.
Paris 2024 Olympics hockey teams and pools:
Men
Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, France and South Africa
Pool B: Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland
Women
Pool A: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Japan, China and France
Pool B: Australia, Argentina, Great Britain, Spain, United States and South Africa
The hockey tournaments at the Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place between July 27 and August 9. Teams from around the world will compete for glory, and fans eagerly anticipate thrilling matches as the quest for Olympic gold unfolds on the hockey field.
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