Pakistan must reach final of Asian Games for Olympics entry

KARACHI—Pakistan must reach the final of XV Asian Games hockey in Doha for the direct entry in 2008 Beijing Olympics, according to details of the Olympic quota announced by International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday. However in case host China wins the Asian Games gold medal, bronze medallist team from Asian Games will also qualify for the olympics.
FIH released the quota details as results of men and women World Cup, the five continental championship to be played from December 2006 to September 2007, are the first qualification tournament which will determine the entry of nine teams for Beijing Olympics to be played from August 8 to 24.
According to qualification system for Olympics men's Hockey automatic qualifier included host China, Champions of Olympics qualifiers each from Africa, Champions of 15th PAN Am Games, Champion of Asian Games, Champion of 5th Oceanic Cup. In addition based upon world hockey team ranking three more direct quota will be available including runners-up and bronze medallist of Europeans championship with winner of the tournament.
One extra quota will be available for Asian continent, highest placed team than the Asian champion and China. If China wins the Asian Games gold, fourth extra quota will be available on basis of world hockey ranking.
Overall 12-nation from across the globe will be featuring in the Beijing Olympics hockey where Australia will defend their title. —Agencies