CHANGZHOU (East China), Oct 21: Chinese men’s field hockey national team has qualified for Beijing Olympic Games as host, a FIH official confirmed on Friday during 10th Chinese National Games.

Dennis Meredith, Events Manager & Secretary FIH Events and Competitions, said “they are already automatically qualified to play in field of Beijing Olympic Games.”

According to FIH rules, national teams of the Olympic hosts have automatic right to play in Olympic hockey tournament of their home field. However, FIH verified the rule in 2004 “because Greece was the host, with its men’s field hockey only ranking 55th in the world to miss the requirement”.

“Things are different in China,” Meredith repeated, “China men’s hockey is currently ranking around 20th in the world and fifth in Asia, which has reached sufficient standard to have the automatic right to enter the Olympic Games.”

Wang Tong, assistant secretary-general of Chinese Field Hockey Association, said they had received this information from FIH officials but not received a written certification yet.

“Chinese men’s field hockey is working hard for a quick improvement and expects satisfactory results in next three years,” Wang said.

Meredith came to China to inspect ground and facilities of Wujin Field Hockey Stadium, which is to host World Cup qualifying competition of men’s hockey next April.

After a full-inspection, he thought highly of the stadium, saying “it is certainly one of the best stadiums in the world. They only have some small modifications to make.”—PPI