The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that Oman will host one of the two men’s hockey Olympic qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan, but the FIH revoked its hosting rights last month due to the ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
Oman steps in as replacement venue
The FIH said in a statement that the men’s hockey Olympic qualifier will be held in Muscat, the capital city of Oman, from January 15 to 21, 2024. The other qualifier will be held in Valencia, Spain, during the same period. Each qualifier will feature eight teams, and the top three teams from each event will secure their spots for the Paris 2024 Games.
Oman is a relatively new entrant in the international hockey scene, having made its debut at the Asian Games in 2018. The country is currently ranked 33rd in the world by the FIH and has never qualified for the Olympics. However, Oman has shown its commitment to developing the sport by hosting several regional tournaments, such as the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hockey Series Open.
Pakistan faces uncertainty over hockey future
Pakistan, on the other hand, is a former powerhouse of hockey, having won four Olympic gold medals and four World Cups. However, the country has been struggling to maintain its standards in recent years, failing to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics and finishing last at the 2018 World Cup.
The situation worsened in August this year, when the PSB suspended several PHF officials and ordered fresh elections. The PSB accused the PHF of mismanagement, corruption and poor performance. The PHF challenged the PSB’s decision in court, claiming that it was an interference in its autonomy.
The FIH expressed its concern over the matter and decided to withdraw Pakistan’s hosting rights for the Olympic qualifier last month. The FIH said that it was not satisfied with the guarantees provided by the PHF regarding the organization and security of the event. The FIH also said that it would monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions if necessary.
Paris 2024 hockey competition takes shape
The Paris 2024 hockey competition will feature 12 teams per gender, with six slots already filled by the winners of the continental championships. The Netherlands won the EuroHockey Championship 2023, while Australia clinched the Oceania Cup. The winner of the Asian Games 2023 hockey tournament will also get a direct berth. France, as the host nation, has automatically qualified for both men’s and women’s events.
The remaining six slots will be decided by the two Olympic qualifiers in Oman and Spain. The seedings and teams for these qualifiers will be determined after the completion of all continental championships in 2023. The African Hockey Road to Paris and the Pan American Games will start later this month.
The Paris 2024 hockey competition will take place at Yves-du-Manoir stadium from July 27 to August 9, 2024.