The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the new schedule for the Olympic Games 2020, which was postponed due to Covid-19.
FIH said in a statement that the hockey matches were scheduled between July 25 and August 7, 2020 at the Owai Hockey Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, and the venue has not been changed.
New dates announced for Tokyo Olympics to be held in 2021.
According to the new schedule, the hockey matches at Owai Hockey Stadium will be held between 24th July 2021 to 6th August 2021. The first hockey match at the Olympic Games will be between hosts Japan and Australia as per the old schedule, with the host team facing the 2019 Hockey Pro League champions who won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
The first women’s hockey match will also be played on the same day between world number one and world champions Netherlands and India. The Netherlands women’s hockey team has won the title of Olympic champion in 1984, 2008 and 2012.
The men’s and women’s gold medal competitions will be held on August 5 and August 6 respectively.
The teams are divided into two pools for the competition, Pool A includes Australia, Argentina, India, Spain, New Zealand and Japan. Pool B includes Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa.
Pakistan’s hockey team, contrary to tradition, failed to qualify for the Olympics and will not be participating in the event. Olympics 2020 postponed till next year due to corona virus
Women’s Pool A consists of the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, India and South Africa while Pool B features Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Spain, China and Japan.
In March of this year, after the increasing number of deaths and cases affected by the corona virus were reported globally, demands were made by many countries to postpone the event.
The International Olympic Committee had announced the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics in view of continuous demands.
Later, on April 7, the new dates for the Tokyo Olympics were announced, according to which the games will now be held from July 23 next year.
However, despite being held in 2021, the Olympics will be named ‘Tokyo 2020’.
“I look forward to working with the Tokyo 2020 management committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese government and all other stakeholders,” International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said.
#Olympics #postponed #year #due #corona #virus
2024-09-06 03:48:58
The Rescheduled Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Games 2020: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially announced the new schedule for hockey matches at the postponed Olympic Games 2020, now set to take place in Tokyo, Japan. Originally intended for July 2020, the event was delayed due to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming hockey tournaments, including match timings, participating teams, and venues.
Key Dates for Olympic Hockey Matches
After much anticipation, FIH confirmed that the hockey matches will be held at the Owai Hockey Stadium in Tokyo. The new schedule is set from July 24 to August 6, 2021. This timeline closely mirrors the original plan, ensuring fans and players alike can experience the thrill of Olympic hockey, albeit a year later than expected.
Men’s Hockey Matches
The men’s hockey tournament will open with a highly anticipated match featuring the host nation, Japan, squaring off against the powerful team from Australia. Australia, having clinched the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, will undoubtedly aim to make a strong statement in this tournament.
Matches will occur in two pools:
- Pool A: Australia, Argentina, India, Spain, New Zealand, and Japan
- Pool B: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa
The gold medal competition for men’s hockey is scheduled for August 5, 2021, promising an exciting finale for fans.
Women’s Hockey Matches
Women’s hockey will also commence on July 24, 2021, featuring a thrilling match between the world champions, the Netherlands, and India. The Netherlands women’s team is a historical powerhouse, boasting Olympic titles from 1984, 2008, and 2012, making them a formidable opponent in the tournament.
The women’s pools are formatted as follows:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, India, and South Africa
- Pool B: Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Spain, China, and Japan
The gold medal competition for women’s hockey will take place on August 6, 2021, ensuring an action-packed conclusion to the Olympic hockey events.
Noteworthy Absences and Global Context
One significant aspect of the upcoming tournament is the absence of Pakistan’s hockey team, which has historically been a strong competitor in Olympic hockey. Their failure to qualify has shocked fans and analysts alike, given the country’s rich history in the sport.
As we look back, the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics came amid increasing global concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported cases and fatalities surged. The International Olympic Committee made the difficult choice to reschedule, prioritizing the health and safety of athletes and fans.
Conclusion
The rescheduled hockey events at the Olympic Games in Tokyo are set to captivate audiences around the world from July 24 to August 6, 2021. With thrilling match-ups, diverse teams, and a showcase of elite athleticism, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Fans can look forward to compelling competitions and the spirit of sportsmanship that the Olympics embody. Mark your calendars to catch all the action, and prepare to cheer on your favorite teams as they battle for gold in one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events!
