Non-European countries welcome FIH’s alterations
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made changes in the qualification criteria for the 2012 London Olympics after receiving complaints from non-European countries.
The non-European countries which sounded off the decision as unfair and prejudice welcomed the alterations in the qualification standards.
FIH’s governing body has adopted the standards as per the Beijing Olympics after Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Asian countries expressed their resentment with the qualification criteria announced by the FIH Congress in Switzerland.
The changes in the qualification criteria for the London Games blasted European teams as FIH reduced the quota of Europe by one in favour of Oceania nations.
The chances for New Zealand participating in the 2012 London Olympics have been increased with the alterations in the rules, which previously seemed to be knocked out by Australia.
Coach of the New Zealand men’s hockey team, Shane McLeod appraised the changes saying, “Having two spots available in Oceania is wonderful news. With Australia and New Zealand being the two dominant teams competing at the Oceania Cup, the chances of New
Zealand being beaten by another Pacific nation are extremely unlikely."
McLeod further said the undoubted qualification path is a great encouragement for their squad, adding that they could focus on international test experience rather than worrying about qualifying for the London Olympics.
Shane McLeod further stated that the new rules certainly gave an opportunity to their experienced players and youngsters to prove if they were the best in the region.
Hockey rules for the 2012 London Olympics:
Automatic qualifiers in men’s hockey category
A total of twelve teams will participate in the 2012 London Olympics of which the host nation Great Britain will be an automatic qualifier. Among the others, champions of Africa’s Men’s Qualifying Tournament, winner of the 16th Asian Games men’s
hockey event, champions of the 16th Pan American Games, winners of the 13th Euro League Hockey Championship and champions of the 7th men’s Oceania Cup will also get direct access to the event.
Extra-quota berths
Three extra quotas have been allocated to different regions based upon the ABN AMRO FIH Teams’ rankings for direct qualification to the London Games. Among these three quotas, two are allocated to Europe while the third one was apportioned to Oceania.
The next two highest performer squads besides the winner of the 13th European Nations Championship would earn direct tickets to the 2012 hockey gala. On the other hand, the second highest squad of the 7th Oceania Cup will also qualify
for the tournament.
Qualifying tournaments
The last three squads for the London Olympics will be selected from qualifying tournaments. Two out of three qualification tournaments will be held in India (February 2012) and Japan while the venue for the third has yet to be decided.
Automatic qualifiers in the women’s category
Twelve women's hockey teams will fight for gold in the London Olympics. As a host country, the women squad of Great Britain will be an automatic qualifier.
Among the other direct qualifiers, champions of the the 16th Asian Games Women’s hockey event, winner of Africa’s Women’s Qualifying Tournament, winner of the women’s 16th Pan American Games, champions of the 10th Euro League Nations Hockey Championship
for women, and the winner of the 7th Women’s Oceania Cup will contest the London Gala.
Extra quota places
In contrary to the men’s quota allocations, an additional three quotas in the women’s category will be awarded to Europe, Asia and Oceania. The second highest women teams in the 10th Euro League Nations Hockey Championship, the 16th
Asian Games women’s event and the 7th Women’s Oceania Cup will also get direct tickets to the London Games under the new rules of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Qualifying tournaments
The last three teams for the London Games will be chosen from the three Olympic Qualification tournaments. These three tournaments will be held in Azerbaijan, Japan and India.
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