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NEW DELHI, April 22: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in separate preliminary pools in the Olympic men's field hockey tournament, according to the draw released by the sport's governing body on Thursday.
Pakistan have been drawn in Pool A alongside world champions Germany, South Korea, Great Britain, Spain and Egypt, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced in a media release.
Pool B comprises defending champions the Netherlands, India, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa. Two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.
South Africa's participation in the tournament is subject to approval by the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), which is considering an appeal by the Greek hockey body to be granted automatic qualification as the hosts.
Olympic field hockey pools:
Men
Pool A: Pakistan, Germany, South Korea, Great Britain, Spain and Egypt.
Pool B: The Netherlands, India, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa.
Women
Pool A: Argentina, China, Japan, New Zealand and Spain.
Pool B: Australia, Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands and South Africa. -AFP
