Argentinean Women’s hockey team earns a ticket for the 2012 London Olympics
Despite losing the title-clash in the Pan American Games, the Argentinean women’s hockey team secured a spot in the 2012 London Olympics, making a fine back entrance.
Considering their top ranking, Las Leonas (Argentinean women’s hockey squad) was given respite by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), that awarded them a spot in the London Gala.
The Las Leonas missed the usual ticket for the Olympic Games after the team lost the finals to United States in the Pan American Games, played in Guadalajara, Mexico.
It is vital to mention here that the Argentinean women’s team missed the title for the first time since 1987, when the sport was included in the Pan American Games.
The Argentinean women were thinking that they will have to contest the Olympic Qualifiers to secure a berth in the London Gala, which was quite a shock for the two-time World Champions.
Argentina has a tremendous record in the sport, lifting three titles in the Pan American Cups, six victories in the Pan American Games and wining the Champions Trophy four times.
The FIH invited the Argentinean squad to the 2012 London Olympics considering their position in the world rankings.
A statement released by the Argentina Hockey Confederation (CAH) stated that they received a confirmation letter from the FIH.
It described, “The International Hockey Federation has made official Las Leonas' qualification to the London 2012 Olympic Games”.
The world’s governing body took the decision after the South African team opted to contest the Olympic Qualifiers instead of utilising the direct ticket they received in the African Nations Tournament.
The South African Olympic Committee believes that the victory in the African Nations Tournament was not an adequate criterion for sending its squad to the Olympics. Therefore, it decided to contest the Olympic Qualifiers to go for the London Games.
Meanwhile, the Argentinean men’s hockey team will also go for the Olympic Gala, as it defeated Canada by 3-1, in the finals of the Pan American Games.
It staged an incredible show in the eight-nation continental tournament, winning the title for the eighth time in the Pan American Games since 1967.
The FIH’s decision to award a spot to the Argentinean women’s team will surely bring healthy competition in the Olympic Games, as they have a marvellous record in the sport.
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