RIO 2016

OLYMPIC

GAMESOlymp

ic Hockey Ce

ntre

Deodoro,Bra

sil

6th-19th

AUGUST

PRESSPACK

Contents

Key contacts & resources 1Welcome message from FIH President Leandro Negre 2Hockey, the Olympics and the FIH 4Rio 2016 Hockey preview 5Rio 2016: Interesting Facts and Figures 7About Rio de Janeiro and the Deodoro Olympic Hockey Centre 9How the teams qualified 11Competitions format and match schedules 15

Men’s CompetitionPool A Teams - Australia, Great Britain, Belgium, New Zealand, Spain, Brazil 18Pool B Teams - Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, India, Ireland, Canada 30Officials 42

Women’s CompetitionPool A Teams - Netherlands, New Zealand, China, Germany, Korea, Spain 45Pool B Teams - Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, USA, Japan, India 57Officials 70

Useful informationEvent photography 72Key Olympic hockey historical facts and figures 73Rules and competition regulations 79FIH Hero World Rankings 81The Hockey Revolution and the future of international hockey 85

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Key contacts & resources

Contact: For all media queries relating to the event, please contact:

Daniel Parker FIH Communications and Digital Manager Email: daniel.parker@fih.ch Tel: Brazil (from 4-20 August): + 55 (21) 976 993 359 Tel: Switzerland (Until 3 August): +41 (79) 619 7724

Resources:

Official Rio 2016 Hockey webpage Click here

Spectator guide Click here

Olympic Hockey Centre overview Click here

Ticketing information Click here

Resources:

Do you want the latest on the Rio 2016 Games? To get real-time results and follow the Olympic torch relay? If so, download the official app of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games using the appropriate link below.

Download for iPhone Click here

Download for Android Click here

Download for Windows phone Click here

Social media:

The FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey Snapchat: fihockey Hashtags: #hockey #SambaSticks #Rio2016

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Dear Hockey Media Representative,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the most anticipated event in the hockey calendar where the ultimate prize of an Olympic gold medal is on the line.

Hockey has a long and glorious history at the Olympic Games. The sport debuted at the 1908 Games in London and has been a permanent fixture in the Olympics since the 1928 Games in Amsterdam, with a women’s competition being a central part of proceedings since the Moscow 1980 Games. Our association with the ideals and values of the Olympic movement is something that we are all immensely proud of, and has allowed thousands of athletes – including myself – to fulfil the life-long dream of representing their country at the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet. The Olympics has always been considered as the pinnacle of the sport, and long may that continue.

Four years ago, hockey enjoyed staggering success at the London 2012 Olympics, with the Riverbank Arena welcoming over 630,000 spectators during the course of the men’s and women’s competitions to become the third highest attended sport at the Games. It was a terrific spectacle for everyone who attended, with Germany men and the Netherlands women claiming their second successive Olympic titles.

Since London 2012, the sport has undergone many extraordinary changes and arrives at Rio’s purpose-built Deodoro Olympic Park better than ever. We are now two years into our ten-year Hockey Revolution strategy, which aims to make hockey ‘a global game that inspires the next generation’, raising the status and popularity of the sport to unprecedented levels. We are making great strides towards achieving the ambitious yet completely justifiable goals that we set for the sport, and are engaging with our constantly growing army of passionate fans – we are the third highest ranked of all the Olympic sports in terms of followers on Facebook - in the best way possible.

As well as our excellent interaction with the fans, key changes to the game itself have helped Hockey, one of the fastest team sports in the world, become even more thrilling for the spectators in the stands and those watching on television.

In terms of changes from London 2012, the game has moved from being played over two halves to four quarters of 15 minutes and has also introduced a 40-second penalty corner countdown clock.

With these additional breaks, fans now have the opportunity to enjoy extended replays and be even more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from afar, while hockey commentators have more time to provide in-depth analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players benefit from new opportunities to re-strategize and re-hydrate.

Another first for the Olympic hockey competition in Rio is the introduction of Quarter-Finals, which provide all the drama and excitement of an immediate knock-out competition from the end of the pool matches onwards. This move ensures that every match played in Rio has meaning, and one slip-up could mean the end of the gold medal dream.

IntroductionA word from Leandro Negre, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH)

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Looking at the competitions themselves, the action is certain to be unmissable. Germany men and the Netherlands women are both looking for third successive Olympic titles, but face serious challenges from the world’s best hockey teams. On the men’s side, reigning Hockey World Cup, Hockey World League and Hockey Champions Trophy title holders Australia have set their sights on winning back the gold medal that they claimed at the Athens 2004 Games. European champions Netherlands, Asian champions India and Pan American champions Argentina are also among the 12 sides that will fight it out for golden glory.

The Netherlands remain the team to beat on the women’s side, but Argentina’s recent title successes in the Hockey World League and Hockey Champions Trophy suggests that it could well be their year. Throw into the mix high quality squads from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany and USA amongst others, it has the potential to be absorbing and utterly unpredictable.

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Organising Committee for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their remarkable efforts in the build-up to this event. It has been a sensational effort, and know that an army of wonderful staff and volunteers will make it an occasion to remember for everyone who attends the Olympic Hockey Centre.

Finally, I want to wish all of the athletes and officials the best of luck on the field. I hope that everyone has an amazing experience at what is unquestionably the greatest show on earth – the Olympic Games.

Yours in hockey.

Leandro Negre FIH President

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Hockey and its origins

The roots of hockey are buried deep in antiquity. Historical records show that a crude form of the game was played in Egypt 4,000 years ago and in Ethiopia around 1,000BC. Various museums offer evidence that a form of the game was played by the Romans and Greeks as well as by the Aztecs several centuries before Columbus arrived in the New World. The modern game of hockey emerged in England in the mid-18th century and is largely attributed to the growth of public schools, such as Eton. The first Hockey Association was formed in the UK in 1876 and drew up the first formal set of rules. The original association survived for just six years but, in 1886, it was revived by nine founding member clubs.

Hockey and the Olympics

The inaugural Olympic Hockey Competition for men was held in London in 1908 with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales competing separately. With the addition of Germany and France, the competition ran with six teams. After having made its first appearance at the London Games, hockey was subsequently dropped from the 1912 Stockholm Games after host nations were granted control over ‘optional sports’. It reappeared in 1920 in Antwerp after pressure from Belgian hockey advocates before being omitted again in Paris in 1924. The formation of the International Hockey Federation in 1924 was not soon enough for the Paris Olympics but it did grant hockey re-entry in Amsterdam in 1928. Hockey has been on the programme ever since, with women’s hockey included for the first time in Moscow in 1980. At the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, hockey celebrated 100 years as an Olympic sport. At the London 2012 Olympics, hockey was the third biggest sport in terms of ticket sales with over 630,000 sold. The Olympics is the ultimate hockey competition, with the Olympic gold medal being the most coveted prize in the sport.

Hockey and the FIH

Motivated by hockey’s omission from the 1924 Paris Games, the Fédération Internationale de Hockey sur Gazon (FIH) was founded by Paul Léautey. Mr Léautey, who would later become the first president of the FIH, called together seven National Federations to form the sport’s international governing body.

These founding members, which represented both men’s and women’s hockey in their countries, were Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Hungary, Spain and Switzerland. Popularised in the late 19th century, the women’s game developed quickly in many countries. In 1927, the International Federation of Women’s Hockey Associations (IFWHA) was formed. After celebrating their respective Golden Jubilees - the FIH in 1974 and the IFWHA in 1980 - the two organisations came together in 1982 to form the current FIH. By 1964, there were already 50 countries affiliated with the FIH, as well as three Continental Associations - Africa, Pan America and Asia - and in 1974, there were 71 members. Today, the International Hockey Federation consists of five Continental Associations, 132 National Associations and is still growing, with 152 National Associations predicted by 2024. As a sign of its drive to maintain the sport’s ongoing growth, the FIH has put in place a ten-year strategic plan – the Hockey Revolution. To learn more about the Hockey Revolution, click here.

Hockey, the Olympics and the FIH

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Three times a golden charm for Germany men and Netherlands women?

The Olympic hockey events take place from 6-19 August at Rio’s purpose-built Deodoro Olympic Park, and will feature the 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams that qualified through the Hockey World League and Continental Championships.

These mouth-watering events have been given extra spice by a significant format change, with Quarter-Finals being introduced for the very first time. With no classification games, only the top four teams from the two pools in each gender will qualify for the knock-out stages, ensuring that every match has a meaning and there is absolutely no room for error.

Men

In the men’s competition, reigning Hockey World Cup, Hockey World League and Hero Hockey Champions Trophy holders Australia (FIH Hero World Ranking: 1) will be aiming to top Pool A, which also features Great Britain (WR: 4, based on England’s ranking); Belgium (WR: 6); New Zealand (WR: 8); Spain (WR: 11) and host nation Brazil (WR: 30).

Led by star defender Mark Knowles – who alongside Jamie Dwyer was a member of the ‘Kookaburras’ team that won gold at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games – Australia are very much the team to beat but are certain to face some tough tests.

Great Britain are a match for anyone on their day, and in Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton they have two world class attacking talents that are proven match-winners.

Belgium’s ‘Red Lions’ are a fearsome attacking unit, while New Zealand’s ‘Black Sticks’ and Spain’s ‘Red Sticks’ should not be underestimated.

Brazil are the lowest ranked team in the competition but are sure to be inspired by the home fans, who will be cheering them in samba style along every step of the way.

With the reigning Olympic, European, Asian and Pan-American champions all on show, Pool B could be utterly unpredictable.

Following their gold medal success at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, Germany (WR: 3) have set their sights on winning a third successive gold medal in Rio. However, there are some who feel that Moritz Fürste’s men could still be suffering the effects of their Unibet EuroHockey Championship 2015 final defeat against Pool B rivals Netherlands (WR: 2), who stormed to a 6-1 win over Germany’s ‘Die Honamas’ to lift the title in London last summer.

The Netherlands are certainly full of confidence, and in 2015 FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year Robert van der Horst, they have one of the sport’s most exceptional talents.

Pan American champions Argentina (WR: 7) and eight times Olympic gold medallists India (WR: 5) – who recently claimed a remarkable second place finish at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 in London – are more than capable of challenging for a place on the podium in Rio.

Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Hockey preview

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The Pool B line-up is completed by Pan-American Championship silver medallists Canada (WR: 15) and European bronze medal winners Ireland (WR: 12), two sides that were outstanding performers in the 2014-15 edition of the Hockey World League.

Notably, Ireland’s ‘Green Machine’ will become the first Irish team, in any sport, to play in the Olympics since 1908.

Women

Netherlands women (WR: 1) are targeting a third successive Olympic gold medal. The reigning world champions compete in Pool A where they face New Zealand (WR: 4), China (WR: 6), Germany (WR: 9), Korea (WR: 8) and Spain (WR: 14).

The Netherlands have a glittering array of world-class talent at their disposal, including four FIH Players of the Year – Naomi van As (2009), Maartje Paumen (2011 and 2012), Ellen Hoog (2014) and Lidewij Welten (2015). That said, a final defeat at the hands of Argentina in the Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 in London shows that the Dutch are certainly not invincible.

New Zealand’s ‘Black Sticks’ could pose the biggest threat to the Dutch, although 2008 Olympic silver medallists China, and Germany, the Olympic champions of 2004, will also be determined to upset the form book.

Argentina (WR: 2), Australia (WR: 3), Great Britain (WR: 7), USA (WR: 5), Japan (WR: 10) and India (WR: 13) make up the six Pool B teams that will do battle for the four Quarter-Final qualification spots on offer.

London 2012 silver medallists Argentina and Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 silver medallists Australia are expected to be frontrunners in this pool.

Even without retired legend Luciana Aymar, Argentina’s ‘Las Leonas’ are always serious contenders in every competition that they enter, a fact proven by their recent title success at the 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy in London. Meanwhile, Australia’s ‘Hockeyroos’ – captained by all-time Australian caps record holder Madonna Blyth – have in recent years re-established themselves as one of the most feared teams on the planet.

With a large number of players being part of England’s EuroHockey Championship title success last summer, London 2012 Olympic bronze medallists Great Britain have the potential to make a serious challenge in Rio.

USA – coached by Englishman Craig Parnham - are another side that could make a big impression in Brazil. Can the Pan American champions aim to add to the bronze medal that they claimed at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984?

It is certainly shaping up to be a sizzling Olympics in Rio and hockey is asking fans to get right behind their team and celebrate Samba Sticks – the campaign that will showcase the sport of hockey in the run up to and during the Games in Brazil this summer.

More detailed information about the competing teams can be found later in this press pack.

Make sure that you use #Hockey, #SambaSticks and #Rio2016 on social media when showing your support for your nation, and follow FIH for all the latest updates as teams and fans get ready for the biggest show on earth – the Olympic Games.

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The Olympic hockey events take place from 6-19 August at Rio’s purpose-built Deodoro Olympic Park, and will feature the 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams that qualified through the Hockey World League and Continental Championships.

These mouth-watering events have been given extra spice by a significant format change, with Quarter-Finals being introduced for the very first time. With no classification games, only the top four teams from the two pools in each gender will qualify for the knock-out stages, ensuring that every match has a meaning and there is absolutely no room for error.

Rio 2016: Interesting facts and figures

General

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games take place from 5 August to 21 August 2016. There are 19 days of Olympic Games events. Athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are expected to compete in addition to a Refugee Olympic Athletes team.

Approximately 10,500 athletes will compete. Over 7 million tickets have gone on sale. There are 28 sports comprising of 306 medal events. The sports of Golf and Rugby will make the Olympic debuts in Rio. There are 32 competition venues as well as an additional seven for football. Over 21,000 media and broadcasters will deliver the Games to a global audience in the billions.

Olympic firsts

It is the first time that the Olympic Games have been held in South America. In hockey, home nation Brazil will be competing in the Olympic Games for the first time. For the first time in Olympic Hockey history there will be Quarter-Finals, which serve to provide all the drama and excitement of an immediate knock-out competition from the end of the pool matches onwards.

It will also be the first time in Olympic history where matches will be played in four quarters of 15 minutes (60 minutes in total).

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Hockey as a sport

An Olympic gold medal is the ultimate prize in hockey, and the Olympic Games is the most anticipated and cherished event in any hockey athletes’ calendar.

Hockey is a high speed and action-packed: - Many international athletes are capable of hitting speeds of 34-35 kilometres per hour (kmh) on the field, which is

only 10kmh slower than the foot-speed record of 44.64 kmh held by legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. - For 30% of the game, players are running at a high intensity (above 19kmh) and covering on average over 140

metres per minute. - Hockey balls can travel in excess of 160 kmh during matches. - On average, there is a goal scored every 17 minutes in a hockey match.

Hockey has a global army of passionate fans, being ranked third of all the Olympic sports in terms of followers numbers on Facebook.

London 2012 Olympics

303: Goals scored 155: Different goal-scorers 4: Goals scored per match on average

Hockey Legacy in Rio and Brazil

Two brand new hockey fields were built close to one of the universities in Rio de Janeiro which will serve as training site during the Games, but will keep serving the university post Games. There will be a university league and hockey will be integrated into academic physical education programmes.

Hockey in Rio

The Olympic Hockey Centre is located at Deodoro Olympic Park, in Rio’s West Zone. The spectator capacity at the Olympic Hockey Centre is 8000. Hockey competition dates run from 6-19 August. There will be 384 hockey athletes on show in Rio, with 192 male and 192 female, making the sport completely gender balanced.

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About Rio de Janeiro

From the Rough Guides website:

The citizens of the fourteen-million-strong city of Rio de Janeiro call it the Cidade Marvilhosa (Wonderful City), and there can’t be much argument about that. Its international renown is bolstered by a series of symbols that rank as some of the greatest landmarks in the world: the Corcovado mountain supporting the great statue of Christ the Redeemer; the rounded incline of the Sugar Loaf mountain, standing at the entrance to the bay; and the famous sweeps of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, probably the most notable lengths of sand on the planet. It’s a setting enhanced annually by the frenetic sensuality of Carnaval, an explosive celebration that – for many people – sums up Rio and its citizens, the cariocas.

Sitting on the southern shore of the magnificent Guanabara Bay, Rio has, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most stunning settings in the world. Extending for 20km along an alluvial strip, between an azure sea and forest-clad mountains, the city’s streets and buildings have been moulded around the foothills of the mountain range that provides its backdrop, while out in the bay there are many rocky islands fringed with white sand. The aerial views over Rio are breathtaking, and even the concrete skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline add to the attraction. As the former capital of Brazil and now its second largest city, Rio has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country’s best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife – in addition to its legendary beaches. With so much to see and do, Rio can easily occupy a week and you may well find it difficult to drag yourself away.

To read more click here

Other useful links Rio on TripAdvisor: click here Rio on Lonely Planet: click hereRio 2016 tourist information: click hereRio City tourist information: click here

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About the Olympic Hockey Centre

The Olympic Hockey Centre - located in Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janiero’s West Zone – was originally built for the 2007 Pan American Games before being renovated for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The facility has two artificial turf pitches, changing rooms, stands and an administration area. After the Games, the Olympic Hockey Centre will become the long-term home of the Brazilian national team. During the Games, the Olympic Hockey Centre will have 8,000 seats overlooking the Pitch 1, 2500 of which will be permanent, with 5,000 temporary seats surrounding Pitch 2.

The hockey venue has a distinctively Brazilian flavour. The combination of the blue pitch, green border, white lines and yellow ball make up the colours of the host nation’s flag.

“This is the best surface that exists for playing hockey, the most modern in the world,” said Claudio Rocha, the coach of Brazil’s men’s team, who will be competing in the event. “It’s very important for our sport in Brazil to have a facility of this level,” said Brazil’s goalkeeper Thiago Bonfim, who helped the team confirm their place at Rio 2016 by claiming a top six finish at last year’s Pan-American Games.

The Deodoro Olympic Park plays host to the second biggest cluster of Olympic competitions, with rugby sevens, BMX cycling, canoe slalom, shooting and equestrian among the other sports taking place there.

More information about the Olympic Hockey Centre can be found here.

The Deodoro Olympic Park and The Olympic Hockey Centre ©Rio 2016

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Rio 2016 Qualification Overview

In the men’s 2016 Olympic hockey event, Oceania champions Australia, Asian Games champions India, Pan Am Games champions Argentina and European champions Netherlands all earned their tickets to Rio by winning their respective Continental Championships.

Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Canada, Spain, Ireland and New Zealand qualified thanks to strong performances in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

Brazil men also confirmed their place at Rio 2016 after satisfying the host nation participation criteria established by IOC and FIH thanks to a fourth place finish at the 2015 Pan American Games.

In the women’s 2016 Olympic hockey event, Australia (Oceania champions), Korea (Asian Games champions), USA (Pan Am Games champions) and Great Britain (qualification through England’s victory at the EuroHockey Championships 2015) all sealed their Rio places with title-winning Continental Championship campaigns.

China, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, New Zealand, India, Japan and Spain through the Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

Overview infographics of the men’s and women’s Olympic qualification can be found below.

To learn more about the Qualification Criteria for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, click here.

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* India qualified for the Olympics at the Asian Games – the Asian Continental Championships. ** Chance to qualify: If the Continental Champion has already qualified by achieving a top three finish from either of the Semi-Finals then the next highest placed team from SF1 and SF2 qualifies.In cases where teams are equally placed, FIH ranking at the end of SF2 will determine which team qualifies.

*** Host nation – The Host Nation Brazil satisfied the criteria established by IOC and FIH at the Pan American Games.

Teams 4-6 Chance to qualify post Continental Championships**

Top 3 Qualify automatically*

Teams 4-6 Chance to qualify post Continental Championships**

Top 3 Qualify automatically*

Continental Championships

5 Continental Champions qualify

RIO 2016 - Men's Olympic Games Qualification

RIO 2016Olympic Games

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IndiaGermanyArgentinaNetherlandsAustraliaBelgiumGreat BritainBrazil

9101112 Host Nation***

Argentina Hockey World League Semi-FinalSemi-Finals

Buenos Aires3-14 June 2015

FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final

Canada

ArgentinaGermany

Spain

Netherlands

New Zealand

Japan

Austria Egypt

Korea

India

BelgiumAustralia

Ireland

Great Britain

Malaysia

Pakistan

ChinaPoland

France

Antwerp20 June - 5 July 2015

Oceania Cup

Pan Am Games

Asian Games

Africa Cup for Nations

Euro Championships

19 Sept – 4 Oct 2014

10-26 July 2015

21-30 August 2015

21-25 Oct 2015

24 Oct – 1 Nov 2015

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CanadaSpainIrelandNew Zealand

Men’s qualification

To download this file, click here.

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* Korea qualified for the Olympics at the 2014 Asian Games – the Asian Continental Champions. Korea finished in the top three at Antwerp, meaning that highest-ranked fourth-placed team in either of the two Semi-Finals (Valencia or Antwerp) has qualified for the Olympics.

** Chance to qualify: If the Continental Champion has already qualified by achieving a top three finish from either of the Semi-Finals then the next highest placed team from SF1 and SF2 qualifies. In cases where teams are equally placed, FIH ranking at the end of SF2 will determine which team qualifies. Argentina and New Zealand finished fourth in the HWL Semi-Final events, with Argentina being higher-ranked and therefore taking the ticket to Rio.

*** Host Nation – The Host Nation did not satisfy the criteria established by IOC and FIH. The qualification place went to the next highest ranked placed team at the HWL SF which was New Zealand.

Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final SpainSemi-Finals

Valencia10-21 June 2015

FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final

Argentina

ChinaGreat Britain

USA

Germany

Spain

Ireland

UruguayCanada

South Africa

Antwerp20 June - 5 July 2015

Teams 4-6 Chance to qualify post Continental Championships**

Top 3 Qualify automatically*

Teams 4-6 Chance to qualify post Continental Championships**

Top 3 Qualify automatically*

Continental Championships

5 Continental Champions qualify

RIO 2016 - Women's Olympic Games Qualification

RIO 2016Olympic Games

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Korea

9101112

Oceania Cup

Pan Am Games

Asian Games

Africa Cup for Nations

Euro Championships

19 Sept – 4 Oct 2014

10-26 July 2015

21-30 August 2015

21-25 Oct 2015

24 Oct – 1 Nov 2015

Host Nation***

Great BritainChinaGermanyNetherlandsAustraliaArgentinaNew ZealandUSAIndiaJapanSpain

New Zealand

KoreaNetherlands

India

Australia

Japan

Italy

FrancePoland

Belgium

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Women’s qualification

To download this file, click here.

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Note:

In December 2015, the FIH invited Spain women and New Zealand men to participate in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games hockey events following the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (SASCOC) decision to reject invitations for South Africa’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. After South Africa men and women won the African Hockey Championships back in November, both teams were invited to participate in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, in line with the FIH Qualification System. However, SASCOC decided to reject their invitations.

Following an appeal by the FIH on behalf of the South African Hockey Association to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the IOC Executive Board stated that, under the terms of the Olympic Charter, all parties must respect the integrity and authority of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for representation of their respective countries and selection of their athletes and teams at the Olympic Games. As such, their decision confirmed that the South African men’s and women’s hockey teams would not participate in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The decision to invite Spain women and New Zealand men was in line with the official FIH Qualification System for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad – Rio 2016, section F, which states that if an allocated quota place is declined by the NOC, the quota place will be reallocated to the next highest placed team from the Hockey World League Semi-Finals not already qualified.

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Quarter-Finals set to Olympic hockey debut

On 27 April 2016, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the official match schedules for the Rio 2016 men’s and women’s hockey events, marking 100 Days To Go until the start of the Games.

Running from 6-19 August at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the events feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s international hockey teams who qualified through the Hockey World League and Continental Championships.

Two pitches will host both events and, for the first time in an Olympic hockey competition, Quarter-Finals will be played. With no classification games taking place, only the top four teams from each pool will qualify for the knock-out stages.

The winners of the Quarter-Finals will qualify for the Semi-Finals which will determine who will play in the gold and bronze medal matches. The men’s medal matches are scheduled for Thursday 18 August and the women’s the following day, on Friday 19 August.

The hockey schedules were agreed by FIH, Rio 2016, Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FIH Competitions Committee also played a crucial role in the development of the schedule along with representatives from all continents and the FIH Athletes’ Committee.

The men get the Olympics under way in some style as reigning European champions Netherlands, silver medallists at London 2012, take on Pan American champions Argentina, who won the bronze medals at the Hockey World Cup two years ago.

That match begins at 10:00 (all times local) on Saturday 6 August. Shortly afterwards 2014 Asian Games champions India take on European bronze medallists Ireland in the second game of that day - Ireland being represented in the hockey event for the first time since hockey made its debut at the Olympic Games in London in 1908.

Another highlight of the men’s schedule will be a rerun of last year’s Hockey World League Final between Australia and Belgium on Tuesday 9 August. Reigning World Cup and World League champions Australia, currently ranked top of the FIH World Rankings, will be hoping to finish amongst the medals again having won bronze at the London Games four years ago.

The last day of the men’s pool matches, Friday 12 August, will see the two teams who finished above Australia’s Kookaburras at London 2012 go head to head as defending Olympic champions Germany take on the Netherlands.

The women’s event also begins with a mouth-watering match. Reigning Hockey World League champions Argentina, who picked up the silver medals at London 2012, will look to avenge their loss to USA in the Pan American Games final last summer, with their match starting at 17:00 on Saturday 6 August.

London 2012 gold medallists and reigning World Cup champions Netherlands begin their title defence against Spain the following day while another rivalry sure to excite fans will be a rerun of the 2014 Hockey Champions Trophy Final between then winners Argentina, now ranked second in the FIH World Rankings, and Australia, ranked third, on Thursday 11 August.

Format and Match schedules

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Great Britain won the bronze medals in front of their home fans at the last Olympics and will include a number of athletes who were crowned European champions whilst representing England last summer. They begin their campaign against southern hemisphere rivals Australia on Saturday 6 August.

China meanwhile will be looking to reverse their 2014 Asian Games loss to rivals Korea on Friday 12 August before six women’s games conclude the pool stages of the events, including a match between 2015 Hockey World League Final runners up New Zealand and Beijing 2008 Olympic silver medallists China on Saturday 13 August.

Speaking about the schedules, Michael Green, Chair of the FIH Athletes’ Committee and former Germany international, said: “The Olympic schedule is a complex jigsaw reflecting the desire to keep an equitable spread of times and pitch allocation for all teams across both genders alongside the specific needs of the global broadcasters. We believe this schedule will provide players, viewers and fans alike with an exciting Olympic hockey event to showcase and promote our sport across the world.”

Competition Format

The hockey competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games comprises women’s and men’s events, with the same format and rules for both. In the preliminary round 12 teams are divided into two pools of six teams. Each team plays every other team in its pool.

The two pools were determined by the FIH protocol on pool composition based on the FIH World Ranking as at 1 January 2016 as follows:

Pool A: Seed 1; 4; 5; 8; 9; 12

Pool B: Seed 2; 3; 6; 7; 10; 11

The top four teams in each pool proceed to the Quarter-Finals, with the remaining four teams eliminated at this stage. The winners of the Quarter-Finals progress to the Semi-Finals, the winners of which meet in the gold medal match. The losers of the Semi-Finals will play for the bronze medal.

For more information on the competition format, click here.

To see the complete match schedules, click here.

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The Teams

At an Olympic Games, a team is made up of a maximum 16 players, composed of 11 players on the field and up to five substitutes.

Each team also has two “P” alternate athletes that can be drafted into the squad as permanent replacements for athletes who are forced to withdraw from the event for reasons such as injury.

P alternate athletes can only become competing athletes as per the conditions outlined in the ‘IOC/Rio 2016 Late Athlete Replacement policy’. More information about this can be found in the Rules and Competition Regulations section later in this press pack.

Information about the competing teams can be found below.

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Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (2004) 3x Olympic silver medallists (1968, 1976, 1992), 5x Olympic bronze medallists (1964, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012), 3x World champions (1986, 2010, 2014), Hockey World League champions (2015), 14x Champions Trophy winners (1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016), 5x Commonwealth Games gold medallists (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), 9x Oceania Cup champions (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1956 – 5th, 1960 – 6th, 1964 – 3rd,1968 – 2nd, 1972 - 5th, 1976 – 2nd, 1984 – 4th, 1988 – 4th, 1992 – 2nd, 1996 – 3rd, 2000 – 3rd, 2004 – 1st, 2008 – 3rd, 2012 – 3rd.

About the team: The men’s hockey section of the 2016 Australian Olympic Team features ten returning Olympians and six eager debutants ready to fight together in a bid to reclaim the gold medal that they won at the Athens 2004 Games.

The team, coached by former Australia international Graham Reid, will be captained in Brazil by legendary defender and 2014 FIH Player of the Year Mark Knowles, backed by an extremely powerful leadership group. The side will capitalise on the experience of Knowles and fellow triple Olympian Jamie Dwyer – who like Knowles was a member of the gold medal winning team from Athens 2004 - as well as dual bronze medallists Eddie Ockenden and Fergus Kavanagh who will line up for their third Games.

Chris Ciriello, Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner, Matthew Swann, Matt Gohdes and Tim Deavin will all take to the pitch at their second Games, while Blake Govers, Daniel Beale, Jake Whetton, Matthew Dawson and Andrew Charter and Aran Zalewski, a late replacement for the injured Tristan White, will don the Olympic uniform for the first time.

The Kookaburras head into Rio as the number one ranked team in the world. The side recently claimed their 14th Champions Trophy in London and were the 2015 World League Champions. They are regarded as the most consistently successful Australian sports team over the past two decades and for more than 30 years have been ranked amongst the top four nations in the world.

Men’s Event - Pool A: AUSTRALIA, GREAT BRITAIN, BELGIUM, NEW ZEALAND, SPAIN, BRAZIL

AUSTRALIA Nickname: The Kookaburras

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 1

How they qualified: Champions of Oceania

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Player perspective – Mark Knowles (Defender / Captain): “When we go to the Olympic Games as the Australian men’s hockey team we want to win, we don’t want to get bronze, just make the semis or play off for fifth. I sent every player in the squad a message after the selection memo came out. The most important message I gave was the one I said to those selected, making the team isn’t enough. I’m extremely proud. I’ve been selected for a fourth time and it’s something I never thought I’d have chance to.”

One to watch – Jamie Dwyer At 37 years old, Dwyer will make history as Australia’s oldest hockey player at an Olympics, with Rio 2016 being his fourth Games after appearing at the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. The brilliant attacker - a five-time winner of the FIH Player of the Year Award, is one of the all time greats of the game, and remains a hugely influential force for the Kookaburras. As well as being one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, Dwyer is famed for scoring the golden goal that gave Australia the Olympic title at the Athens 2004 Games.

Hockey Australia website: www.hockey.org.au Facebook: TheKookaburras Twitter: @kookaburras Instagram: @hockeyaustraliaofficial

Manager: Nathan EGLINGTON Assistant Coach: Paul GAUDOIN Coach: Graham REID Stand-In Manager: Brendyn APPLEBY

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Jamie DWYER 12/03/1979 241 359 Forward

3 Simon ORCHARD 09/07/1986 56 203 Midfielder

4 Glenn TURNER 01/05/1984 93 130 Forward

5 Chris CIRIELLO 01/10/1985 114 188 Midfielder

6 Matthew DAWSON 27/04/1994 7 47 Defender

9 Mark KNOWLES 10/03/1984 24 285 Defender

11 Eddie OCKENDEN 03/04/1987 65 278 Midfielder

12 Jake WHETTON 15/06/1991 44 102 Forward

13 Blake GOVERS 06/07/1996 26 32 Forward

16 Matt GOHDES 08/05/1990 51 153 Midfielder

17 Aran ZALEWSKI 21/03/1991 12 92 Midfielder

19 Tim DEAVIN 27/07/1984 6 132 Defender

20 Matthew SWANN 16/05/1989 6 141 Defender

23 Daniel BEALE 12/02/1993 15 81 Midfielder

30 Andrew CHARTER 30/03/1987 0 114 Goalkeeper

31 Fergus KAVANAGH 21/05/1985 15 225 Defender

2 (P) Tom CRAIG 03/09/1995 9 24 Forward

32 (P) Jeremy HAYWARD 03/03/1993 17 60 Defender

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Notable honours: 2x Olympic gold medallists (1920, 1988), Olympic silver medallists (1948), 2x Olympic bronze medallists (1952, 1984), FIH Champions Trophy silver medallists (1985), 2x FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (1978, 1984).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1920 – 1st, 1948 – 2nd, 1952 – 3rd, 1956 – 4th, 1960 – 4th, 1964 – 9th, 1968 – 12th, 1972 – 6th, 1984 – 3rd, 1988 – 1st, 1992 – 6th, 1996 – 7th, 2000 – 6th, 2004 – 9th, 2008 – 5th, 2012 – 4th.

About the team: Following their fourth place finish at the London 2012 Olympics, Great Britain have set their sights firmly on winning a medal at Rio 2016. Looking at their recent history, you certainly would not bet against them. There has been a steady improvement since their disappointing ninth place finish at the Athens 2004 Games, with the team taking fifth at Beijing 2008 before losing the bronze medal match at London 2012 against Australia.

The team, coached by ex-England and GB striker Bobby Crutchley, sealed tickets to both Rio and the Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur, India, with their third place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium, thanks to a 5-1 win over India.

Team captain Barry Middleton will make his fourth Olympic Games appearance while Ashley Jackson returns for his third Games after appearing at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Nick Catlin, Dan Fox, Harry Martin and world class central defender Iain Lewers also return from the squad who finished fourth in London with ten players set for their Olympic Games debuts. One of those debutants is shot-stopper George Pinner, who was recently named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 in London, where Great Britain finished in fourth position.

Player perspective – George Pinner (Goalkeeper): “You cannot deny that, as a player, Rio is what we train for day in, day out. We have a lot of long, hard and cold days at our training centre at Bisham Abbey, and play a lot of tough games in preparation, but to represent your country at an Olympics is what we are all here to do. Every single player dreams of the chance to play at an Olympics, and I hope we can bring home a medal.”

GREAT BRITAIN Nickname: Team GB

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 4

How they qualified: 3rd Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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One to watch – Ashley Jackson Alongside team captain Barry Middleton, the 28-year-old midfielder is one of Great Britain’s most gifted individuals. He possesses fantastic stick skills, a terrific eye for a pass and is one of the finest penalty corner drag-flickers in the world. As always, Jackson is expected to be one of the stars of the show in Rio.

GB Hockey website: www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk Twitter: @_GBHockey Facebook: EnglandHockey Instagram: @england_hockey

Manager: Jon BLEBY Coach: Bobby CRUTCHLEY Stand-In Manager: David RALPH

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 George PINNER 18/01/1987 0 101 Goalkeeper

5 David AMES 25/06/1989 1 24 Midfielder

6 Henry WEIR 13/02/1990 4 100 Defender

7 Ashley JACKSON 27/08/1987 129 223 Midfielder

9 Harry MARTIN 23/10/1992 12 140 Midfielder

11 Alastair BROGDON 10/11/1987 23 143 Forward

12 Michael HOARE 14/11/1985 1 103 Defender

13 Sam WARD 24/12/1990 13 38 Forward

14 Mark GLEGHORNE 19/05/1985 23 96 Forward

16 Adam DIXON 11/09/1986 12 179 Defender

17 Barry MIDDLETON 12/01/1984 100 365 Midfielder

22 David CONDON 06/07/1991 16 99 Forward

24 Iain LEWERS 05/01/1984 11 135 Defender

26 Nick CATLIN 08/04/1989 21 177 Midfielder

27 Dan FOX 03/03/1983 3 153 Defender

31 Ian SLOAN 19/11/1993 2 15 Defender

8 (P) Simon MANTELL 24/04/1984 60 204 Forward

20 (P) Dan SHINGLES 05/07/1986 2 67 Defender

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Notable honours: Olympic bronze medallists (1920), Hockey World League silver medallists (2015), European silver medallists (2013), European bronze medallists (2007), 5th place - Olympic Games (2012), 5th place - Rabobank Hockey World Cup (2014), 5th place - Hero Hockey Champions Trophy (2014).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1920 – 3rd, 1928 – 4th, 1936 – 9th, 1948 – 5th, 1952 – 9th, 1956 – 7th, 1960 – 11th, 1964 – 11th, 1968 – 9th, 1972 – 10th, 1976 – 9th, 2008 – 9th, 2012 – 5th.

About the team: Belgium have made huge strides forward over the past ten years and are now rated as one of the most feared attacking sides on the planet. The Red Lions produced some excellent performances at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague but just missed out on a place in the competition Semi-Finals when they fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of England before finishing fifth, an all-time high for the men’s national team.

2015 certainly had ups and downs, with a second place finish at FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp being followed by a surprisingly low fifth place finish at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London. The team ended 2015 on a high with a silver medal at the Hero Hockey World League Final, falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat against world number 1 Australia in the title match in Raipur, India. A fifth place finish in June’s Hero Champions Trophy in London was below expectations, but they are sure to be saving their best hockey for their Olympic title challenge.

The squad for Rio contains a staggering amount of international experience, with the vast majority of the squad having surpassed the 100 international appearances mark including treble centurions John-John Dohmen and Jerome Truyens as well as double centurions Cedric Charlier, Thomas Briels, Felix Denayer and ace striker Tom Boon. This supremely talented group could be ready to peak in Rio.

Extra info: Late in 2015, the Royal Belgian Hockey Federation (KBHB-ARBH) named New Zealander Shane McLeod as the Head Coach of the men’s national team. McLeod replaced Dutchman Jeroen Delmee, the former Netherlands international defender and double Olympic gold medallist (Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000) who stepped away from the position at the end of September. McLeod – who has enjoyed spells coaching the New Zealand men’s and women’s teams as well

BELGIUM Nickname: The Red Lions

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 6

How they qualified: 2nd Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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as guiding Antwerp-based club side Waterloo Ducks to consecutive Belgian league titles in 2013 and 2014 – has been given the task of guiding the Red Lions to a podium finish at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which would be their first since the 1920 Games on home soil in Antwerp.

One to watch – John-John Dohmen A creative midfielder who rarely puts a foot wrong, the 28-year-old Belgian captain is currently at the peak of his powers. Named Player of the Tournament at last year’s FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Dohmen is likely to be a massively influential figure for his team in Rio.

Royal Belgian Hockey Federation website: www.hockey.be Twitter: @BELRedLions Facebook: BELRedLions Instagram: @BELRedLions

Manager: Eric PIRENNE Coach: Shane MCLEOD Assistant Coach: Philippe GOLDBERG Stand-In Manager: Mick BEUNEN

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position4 Arthur VAN DOREN 01/10/1994 N/A 97 Defender

7 John-John DOHMEN 24/01/1988 N/A 327 Midfielder

8 Florent VAN AUBEL 25/10/1991 N/A 154 Forward

9 Sebastien DOCKIER 28/12/1989 N/A 112 Forward

10 Cedric CHARLIER 27/11/1987 N/A 228 Forward

12 Gauthier BOCCARD 26/08/1991 N/A 123 Defender

15 Emmanuel STOCKBROEKX 23/12/1993 N/A 95 Midfielder

17 Thomas BRIELS 23/08/1987 N/A 254 Forward

19 Felix DENAYER 31/01/1990 N/A 237 Midfielder

21 Vincent VANASCH 21/12/1987 N/A 155 Goalkeeper

22 Simon GOUGNARD 17/01/1991 N/A 198 Midfielder

25 Loick LUYPAERT 19/08/1991 N/A 143 Defender

27 Tom BOON 25/01/1990 N/A 206 Forward

28 Jerome TRUYENS 04/08/1987 N/A 316 Midfielder

29 Elliot VAN STYDONCK 21/07/1988 N/A 164 Defender

32 Tanguy COSYNS 29/06/1991 N/A 90 Forward

14 (P) Alexandre DE PAEUW 07/10/1988 N/A 128 Midfielder

16 (P) Alexander HENDRICKX 06/08/1993 N/A 46 Defender

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Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (1976), Hockey World League silver medallists (2012-14 edition), Champions Challenge gold medallists (2009), Commonwealth Games silver medallists (2002), 9x Oceania Cup silver medallists (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015), 2x Sultan Azlan Shah Cup winners (2012, 2015).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1956 – 6th, 1960 – 5th, 1964 – 13th, 1968 – 7th, 1972 – 9th, 1976 – 1st, 1984 – 7th, 1992 – 8th, 2004 – 6th, 2008 – 7th, 2012 – 9th.

About the team: 1976 Olympic champions New Zealand, coached by former Australian international Colin Batch, are blessed with enormous talent, supreme fitness levels and an incredible will to win. All of these attributes make them a side to be both feared and respected in equal measure.

The Black Sticks did not hit the highs that many expected of them in their Olympic qualifying campaign, scraping through with a sixth place finish at the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, with their Olympic berth being confirmed following the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (SASCOC) decision to reject the invitation of continental champions South Africa men. It is an opportunity that New Zealand’s gifted squad are determined to maximize.

Four players – captain and star striker Simon Child, midfield veteran Ryan Archibald as well as defenders Shea McAleese and Bradley Shaw - will be playing at their third Olympic Games. At the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-old midfielder Hayden Phillips, who only made his debut earlier this year and has just 11 caps to his name, has also been selected.

Interestingly, Ryan Archibald’s father, Jeff, was a member of the Black Sticks squad that took won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada.

Coach comment – Colin Batch: “Our team is well balanced with eight new Olympians and eight having experienced Olympic competition before. Rio does offer many more challenges than what athletes experienced at London. It is not just about coping with the environment, but all teams face tough competition in both men’s pools. There is no easy path to securing a quarter-finals spot. However, I’m confident that we can perform well and be a strong contender at the business end of the tournament.”

NEW ZEALAND Nickname: The Black Sticks

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 8

How they qualified: 6th Place – Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final, Buenos Aires

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One to watch – Simon Child Since making his senior international debut ten years ago at the tender age of 16, Simon Child has rightly earned a reputation as one of the finest strikers in the game. Child is the youngest Black Sticks player in history to reach 100 caps and has a habit of scoring crucial and often spectacular goals for his team. With Child among their ranks, the Black Sticks will feel confident that they can achieve great things in Rio.

Hockey New Zealand website: www.hockeynz.co.nz Twitter: @BlackSticks Facebook: nzblacksticks Instagram: @nzblacksticks

Manager: Dean COUZINS Coach: Colin BATCH Assistant Coach: Bryce COLLINS Stand-In Manager: Greg NICOL

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 James COUGHLAN 28/08/1990 10 63 Midfielder

6 Simon CHILD 16/04/1988 136 268 Forward

9 Blair HILTON 28/08/1989 25 161 Forward

10 Ryan ARCHIBALD 01/09/1980 51 321 Midfielder

12 Bradley SHAW 13/02/1983 5 186 Defender

17 Nic WOODS 26/08/1995 9 54 Defender

20 Devon MANCHESTER 11/11/1989 0 88 Goalkeeper

21 Kane RUSSELL 22/04/1992 27 81 Defender

22 Blair TARRANT 11/05/1990 2 156 Defender

23 Shay NEAL 04/06/1990 14 81 Forward

24 Arun PANCHIA 22/04/1989 4 195 Midfielder

25 Shea MCALEESE 07/08/1984 29 233 Defender

27 Stephen JENNESS 07/06/1990 58 158 Forward

29 Hugo INGLIS 18/01/1991 50 176 Forward

31 Hayden PHILLIPS 06/02/1998 1 17 Midfielder

32 Nick WILSON 06/08/1990 71 164 Forward

(P) Marcus CHILD 02/03/1991 N/A N/A Forward

(P) Nick HAIG 12/03/1987 N/A N/A Defender

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Notable honours: 3x Olympic silver medallists (1980, 1996, 2008), 2x FIH World Cup silver medallists (1971, 1998), European Champions (1974, 2005), FIH Champions Trophy winners (2004), FIH Champions Challenge 1 winners (2003).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1928 – 7th, 1948 – 11th, 1960 – 3rd, 1964 – 4th, 1968 – 6th, 1972 – 7th, 1976 – 6th, 1980 – 2nd, 1984 – 8th, 1988 – 9th, 1992 – 5th, 1996 – 2nd, 2000 – 9th, 2004 – 4th, 2008 – 2nd, 2012 – 6th.

About the team: Spain may have dropped down the FIH Hero World Rankings in recent years but they remain a supremely talented team that should not be underestimated. Under the stewardship of Head Coach and former France international Frederic Soyez, a talented new generation of Red Sticks players are working hard in a bid to return Spain to an era of greatness that culminated in an Olympic silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The team has had to cope with the retirements of iconic attackers such as 2008 FIH Player of the Year Pol Amat and European Hockey Federation Hall of Famer Santi Freixa in recent years, but the future is looking very promising indeed. Speed merchant Xavi Lleonart is a fantastic attacker, while David Alegre, Roc Oliva, Sergi Enrique, Miguel Delas, penalty corner ace Pau Quemada and brilliant goalkeeper Quico Cortes bring masses amounts of world level experience to the table. Could this be the tournament where the Spanish revival really kicks into gear?

Player perspective – Manel Terraza (Midfielder / Captain): “I think that we have had good preparation and we have taken the couple of steps forward that we needed to. Now we are ready to compete, fight and give absolutely everything.”

SPAIN Nickname: The Red Sticks

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 11

How they qualified: 5th Place – Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final, Buenos Aires

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One to watch – David Alegre A stalwart of the Spanish team, classy midfielder David Alegre has been a central figure in the side for well over a decade, winning Olympic silver at Beiing 2008 as well as gold medals at the 2004 Champions Trophy in Lahore (PAK) and 2005 European Championships in Leipzig (GER).

RFEH website: www.rfeh.es Twitter: @rfe_hockey Facebook: RFEH Hockey Instagram: @absolutamasc

Manager: Cesar HERNANDEZ GISTAIN Coach: Frederic SOYEZ Assistant Coach: Eduardo AGUILAR Stand-In Manager: Ramon SALA

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Quico CORTES 29/03/1983 0 225 Goalkeeper

3 Sergi ENRIQUE 22/09/1987 9 233 Defender

5 Bosco PEREZ-PLA 26/09/1987 0 126 Defender

6 Miguel DELAS 13/04/1984 16 175 Defender

7 Pau QUEMADA 04/09/1983 95 180 Forward

8 Vicenc RUIZ 30/10/1991 4 76 Midfielder

9 Alvaro IGLESIAS 01/03/1993 8 79 Forward

10 David ALEGRE 06/09/1984 82 247 Midfielder

11 Roc OLIVA 18/07/1989 65 153 Midfielder

13 Andres MIR 25/01/1987 8 122 Defender

17 Xavi LLEONART 22/06/1990 39 138 Forward

19 Marc SALLES 06/05/1987 23 141 Midfielder

20 Salvador PIERA 18/05/1991 15 76 Midfielder

21 Alex CASASAYAS 17/02/1988 12 87 Forward

22 Manel TERRAZA 11/05/1990 21 123 Midfielder

23 Josep ROMEU 22/05/1990 2 35 Defender

12 (P) Jordi CARRERA 12/06/1982 2 75 Defender

25 (P) Mario FERNANDEZ 26/04/1992 0 25 Goalkeeper

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Notable honours: 4th place – 2015 Pan American Games, 1st place – 2015 Rio Olympics Test Event, 1st place – 2015 Pan America Challenge, 2nd place – 2011 Pan American Challenge.

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1st appearance.

About the team: The host nation may be the lowest ranked team in the men’s competition, but they are very much here on merit. Set the target of achieving a top six finish at last year’s Pan American Games in Toronto by both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Brazil went one stage better, reaching the semi-finals to guarantee a top four finish at the event.

It was a staggering performance by the team, and the result of years of hard work coming to fruition to seal a dream qualification for their home Olympics. Since then, the team claimed a first place finish at the Rio Olympics Test Event late in 2015, ensuring that they clearly feel very much at home on the Deodoro Olympic Park.

The squad includes two players who were named in the 2015 Pan American Elite teams, with striker Matheus Borges and defender Stephane Vehrle-Smith being rewarded with deserved recognition of their respective talents. Although the majority of the squad represent Brazilian clubs, some are plying their trade abroad. Vehrle-Smith plays his hockey with English club champions Holcombe, while Ernst Rost-Onnes (Hockeyvereniging HIC) and brothers Yuri (Larensche) and Patrick van der Heijden (AMHC Apeldoorn) all compete in the Netherlands.

Brazil are sure to be inspired by the passionate support of their home fans, who will be cheering them in samba style along every step of the way.

Player perspective – Rodrigo Faustino: “It’s going to be very difficult, but a real pleasure too. All those players we have admired on television and on the internet will be in front of us, on the pitch, playing against us. It will be a unique opportunity.”

BRAZIL Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 30

How they qualified: 4th place – 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto.

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One to watch – Matheus Borges Rated by many as the most talented of Brazil’s rapidly developing side, this 23-year-old forward is a regular scorer for the national side and will be looking to make his mark in front of his home supporters.

Hoquei Brasil website: www.hoqueisobregrama.com.br Twitter: @brasil_hoquei Facebook: ConfederacaodeHoquei

Manager: Denise GUEST Coach: Claudio ROCHA Stand-In Manager: Christian SIMONARD DE MIRANDA

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Thiago BOMFIM 21/09/1990 0 15 Goalkeeper

2 Bruno MENDONCA 07/01/1984 5 46 Defender

5 Joaquin LOPEZ 12/02/1990 0 0 Forward

6 Adam IMER 18/08/1989 0 0 Midfielder

7 Andre PATROCINIO 20/02/1990 6 63 Midfielder

8 Yuri VAN DER HEIJDEN 20/07/1990 16 75 Defender

9 Stephane VEHRLE-SMITH 15/05/1989 20 39 Defender

10 Matheus BORGES 20/07/1993 26 73 Forward

11 Lucas PAIXAO 02/09/1994 16 48 Forward

13 Bruno PAES 24/06/1993 4 52 Forward

14 Ernst ROST ONNES 05/12/1985 4 27 Defender

15 Patrick VAN DER HEIJDEN 19/09/1992 2 50 Midfielder

19 Rodrigo STEIMBACH 30/01/1996 0 6 Forward

23 Chris MCPHERSON 19/06/1984 1 20 Defender

27 Paulo BATISTA JR 27/01/1993 1 19 Midfielder

31 Rodrigo FAUSTINO 06/01/1987 0 30 Goalkeeper

16 (P) Augusto DE PAULA 20/06/1988 11 54 Forward

21 (P) Marcos PASIN 27/05/1993 2 40 Defender

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Notable honours: 2x Olympic gold medallists (1996, 2000), 3x FIH World Cup winners (1973, 1990, 1998), 8x FIH Champions Trophy winners (1981, 1982, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006), Hockey World League winners (2012-14 Edition), 4x European champions (1983, 1987, 2007, 2015).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1928 – 2nd, 1936 – 3rd, 1948 – 3rd, 1952 – 2nd, 1960 – 9th, 1964 – 7th, 1968 – 5th, 1972 – 4th, 1976 – 4th, 1984 – 6th, 1988 – 3rd, 1992 – 4th, 1996 – 1st, 2000 – 1st, 2004 – 2nd, 2008 – 4th, 2012 – 2nd.

About the team: The last four years have certainly been interesting for the London 2012 Olympic silver medallists. 2013 was something of a disappointment, but Oranje returned to form in spectacular style in 2014. The year started with a stunning performance at the Hero Hockey World League Final, where they took the title by beating New Zealand 7-2 in the gold medal match. The result sent out a strong message that they were serious contenders to claim a home victory at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, where they performed brilliantly to reach the final before being forced to settle for the silver medal as Australia’s Kookaburras claimed their second successive world crown with a dazzling 6-1 triumph.

In 2015, the influence of Head Coach Max Caldas – the Buenos Aires born former Argentina international who, between 2012 and 2014, guided the Netherlands women to Olympic, World Cup and World League glory – was clear for all to see. The team sealed their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with a third place finish in the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires before winning the Unibet EuroHockey Championships with an emphatic 6-1 final victory over Olympic champions Germany.

The Netherlands squad selected for Rio contains a glittering array of world class talent including 2015 FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year Robert van der Horst, quick-silver striker Jeroen Hertzberger and skillful playmaker Billy Bakker, while powerhouse defender Mink van der Weerden is arguably the best penalty corner flicker in the world. In-form and with plenty of firepower, they are unquestionably contenders for the gold medal.

Men’s Event - Pool B: NETHERLANDS, GERMANy, ARGENTINA, INDIA, IRELAND, CANADA

NETHERLANDS Nickname: Oranje

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 2

How they qualified: Champions of Europe

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One to watch – Robert van der Horst Team captain Van der Horst is a central figure in the Dutch line-up thanks to his energy, skill and vision. This brilliant defender, who can also play a starring role in midfield, was an instrumental figure in helping the Netherlands claim the silver medal at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 and the gold medal at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships last year. The 31-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the Dutch line-up, having made well over 250 international appearances.

RFEH website: www.knhb.nl Twitter: @oranjehockey Facebook: oranjehockey Instagram: @oranjehockey

Manager: Mark TEEUWISSE Coach: Max CALDAS Assistant Coach: Alexander COX

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Jaap STOCKMANN 24/07/1984 0 127 Goalkeeper

6 Glenn SCHUURMAN 16/04/1991 0 53 Defender

8 Billy BAKKER 23/11/1988 46 132 Midfielder

9 Seve VAN AS 10/04/1992 15 95 Midfielder

10 Valentin VERGA 07/10/1989 19 121 Midfielder

11 Jeroen HERTZBERGER 24/02/1986 84 183 Forward

12 Sander DE WIJN 02/05/1990 7 90 Defender

13 Sander BAART 30/04/1988 5 107 Midfielder

14 Robbert KEMPERMAN 24/06/1990 34 145 Midfielder

16 Mirco PRUIJSER 11/08/1989 13 27 Forward

19 Bob DE VOOGD 16/09/1988 18 73 Forward

21 Jorrit CROON 09/08/1998 0 4 Forward

22 Rogier HOFMAN 05/09/1986 43 199 Forward

24 Robert VAN DER HORST 17/10/1984 14 259 Defender

29 Hidde TURKSTRA 05/03/1988 0 31 Defender

30 Mink VAN DER WEERDEN 19/10/1988 64 97 Defender

26 (P) Pirmin BLAAK 08/03/1988 0 32 Goalkeeper

27 (P) Constantijn JONKER 20/09/1987 35 90 Forward

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Notable honours: 4x Olympic gold medallists (1972, 1992, 2008, 2012), 2x World champions (2002, 2006), 9x Champions Trophy winners (1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2007, 2014), 8x European champions (1970, 1978, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2013).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1908 – 5th, 1928 – 3rd, 1936 – 2nd, 1956* – 3rd, 1960* – 7th, 1964* – 5th, 1968* – 4th, 1972* – 1st, 1976* – 5th, 1984* – 2nd, 1988* – 2nd, 1992 – 1st, 1996 – 4th, 2000 – 5th, 2004 – 3rd, 2008 – 1st, 2012 – 1st.

About the team: One of the undisputed giants of global hockey, Germany have been a powerhouse of the game for decades and the current group is certainly no different. The Olympic champions of 2008 and 2012 are always capable of winning every tournament that they enter, and have set themselves the target of making it three in a row at Rio 2016.

In 2015, Die Honamas sealed their place at the Rio Olympics by winning the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires. However, a 6-1 hammering at the hands of the Netherlands in the final of last August’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships (London) followed by a seventh place finish at the Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur, India, showed that they are certainly not infallible.

That said, Germany have developed a habit of getting it right in Olympic year, so write them off at your peril. The squad chosen by Head Coach Valentin Altenburg – who replaced Marcus Weise, one of the most successful coaches in the history of German sport, late in 2015 – contains five Olympic gold medalists from London, includes two winners of the FIH Men’s Player of the Year Award. Midfield star Tobias Hauke (2013) and former midfielder turned defender Moritz Fürste (2012) are rightfully considered amongst the best players in the history of German hockey.

Another player to watch is 22-year-old attacker Christopher Rühr, the FIH Hockey Stars Young Player of the Year for 2013 and 2015, who has already proven himself to be an explosive game-changer with a very bright future ahead of him.

Fellow striker Florian Fuchs, winner of the FIH Young Player of the Year in 2012, is one of the best finishers in the game. This is a very dangerous side, and a third successive Olympic gold medal is well within their capabilities.

*As West Germany

GERMANy Nickname: Die Honamas

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 3

How they qualified: 1st Place – Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final, Buenos Aires

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One to watch – Tobias Hauke A classy midfielder blessed with skill, vision and intelligence. 2013 FIH Player of the Year Hauke is a double Olympic gold medallist, having been a central figure in the Germany teams that emerged triumphant at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games. He is the elder brother of Franzisca Hauke, who is a key player for Die Danas, the German women’s international team.

Website: www.hockey.de Twitter: @DHB_hockey Facebook: DHBHockey Instagram: @dhb_hockey

Manager: Eric LANGNER Coach: Valentin ALTENBURG Assistant Coach: Frederik MERZ Stand-In Manager: Michael MCCANN

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Nicolas JACOBI 13/04/1987 0 106 Goalkeeper

2 Mathias MULLER 03/04/1992 1 48 Defender

3 Linus BUTT 12/03/1987 14 163 Defender

6 Martin HÄNER 27/08/1988 16 180 Defender

7 Moritz TROMPERTZ 21/09/1995 1 15 Midfielder

8 Mats GRAMBUSCH 04/11/1992 30 74 Forward

10 Christopher WESLEY 23/06/1987 26 153 Midfielder

12 Timm HERZBRUCH 07/06/1997 21 30 Forward

13 Tobias HAUKE 11/09/1987 29 291 Midfielder

15 Tom GRAMBUSCH 04/08/1995 7 12 Defender

17 Christopher RÜHR 19/12/1993 32 78 Forward

20 Martin ZWICKER 27/02/1987 20 172 Midfielder

21 Moritz FÜRSTE 28/10/1984 125 280 Defender

23 Florian FUCHS 10/11/1991 91 157 Forward

27 Timur ORUZ 27/10/1994 6 36 Midfielder

29 Niklas WELLEN 14/12/1994 12 53 Forward

9 (P) Oskar DEECKE 16/05/1986 74 213 Defender

18 (P) Oliver KORN 10/06/1984 43 197 Forward

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Notable honours: FIH World Cup bronze medallists (2014), 9x Pan American Games winners (1967, 1971, 1975, 1979, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011, 2015), 2x Pan American Cup winners (2004, 2013), FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (2008), 3x FIH Champions Challenge 1 winners (2005, 2007, 2012), Sultan Azlan Shah Cup winners (2008).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1948 – 5th, 1968 – 14th, 1972 – 14th, 1976 – 11th, 1988 – 8th, 1992 – 11th, 1996 – 9th, 2000 – 8th, 2004 – 11th, 2012 – 10th.

About the team: 2015 Pan American Games winners Argentina have always produced international teams with plenty of talent, but over the past two years the current men’s team has developed into a side that can challenge the very best in the world. Head Coach and former Argentina international Carlos “Chapa” Retegui – the man who, remarkably, guided both the men and the women’s national sides to bronze medals at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup – is overseeing the revolution, helping “Los Leones” (The Lions) to realise their massive potential.

Their performances at the World Cup helped the South Americans surge from 11th to seventh in the FIH Hero World Rankings, a position that they hold today.

Key players include veteran captain Matias Paredes, key defender Pedro Ibarra and creative genius Lucas Vila, although it is Gonzalo Peillat who often grabs the headlines.

The powerfully built 23-year-old – who was named FIH Young Player of the Year for 2014 – is an exceptional defender and feared penalty corner specialist who regularly challenges for the top scorer award in every competition he plays in. Peillat was in sparkling form in last year’s Pan American Games, scoring 14 times in six matches as Argentina won the gold medal for a record ninth time. Make no mistake about it, Argentina are currently riding high on a wave of confidence and are certainly capable of competing for the medals at Rio 2016.

Coach comment – Carlos Retegui: “When preparing the team for the Olympic Games, we have to ensure that the players arrive there ready to produce their optimal performance. We are going there to compete, not just to participate.”

ARGENTINA Nickname: Los Leones

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 7

How they qualified: Champions of Pan America

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One to watch – Lucas Vila Coach Carlos Retegui is really getting the best out of a player who has long been considered to be one of the most naturally gifted attackers on the planet. Vila has a reputation for scoring spectacular goals and always provides assists for his team-mates. The 29-year-old has been central to Argentina’s rapid raise up the FIH World Rankings table and is sure to make a big impact in Rio.

Website: www.cahockey.org.ar Twitter: @LosLeonesHockey Facebook: ArgFieldHockey Instagram: @arg_fieldhockey

Coach: Carlos Retegui

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Juan VIVALDI 17/07/1979 N/A 206 Goalkeeper

2 Gonzalo PEILLAT 12/08/1992 N/A 104 Defender

4 Juan GILARDI 14/11/1981 N/A 127 Defender

5 Pedro IBARRA 11/09/1985 N/A 218 Defender

7 Facundo CALLIONI 09/10/1985 N/A 138 Forward

8 Lucas REY 11/10/1982 N/A 213 Midfielder

10 Matias PAREDES 01/02/1982 N/A 288 Forward

11 Joaquin MENINI 18/08/1991 N/A 67 Forward

12 Lucas VILA 23/08/1986 N/A 176 Forward

16 Ignacio ORTIZ 26/07/1987 N/A 86 Midfielder

17 Juan LOPEZ 27/05/1985 N/A 218 Midfielder

19 Juan SALADINO 28/09/1987 N/A 10 Forward

22 Matias REY 01/12/1984 N/A 145 Midfielder

24 Manuel BRUNET 16/11/1985 N/A 153 Midfielder

26 Agustin MAZILLI 20/06/1989 N/A 162 Forward

27 Lucas ROSSI 02/06/1985 N/A 177 Midfielder

14 (P) Luca MASSO 17/07/1994 N/A 13 Forward

20 (P) Isidoro IBARRA 02/10/1992 N/A 21 Midfielder

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Notable honours: 8x Olympic gold medallists (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980), Olympic silver medallists (1960), 2x Olympic bronze medallists (1968, 1972), World champions (1975), 3x Asian Games champions (1966, 1998, 2014), 2x Asia Cup champions (2003, 2007). Hockey World League bronze medallists (2015), Champions Trophy silver medallists (2016).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1928 – 1st, 1932 – 1st, 1936 – 1st, 1948 – 1st, 1952 – 1st, 1956 – 1st, 1960 – 2nd, 1964 – 1st, 1968 – 3rd, 1972 – 3rd, 1976 – 7th, 1980 – 1st, 1984 – 5th, 1988 – 6th, 1992 – 7th, 1996 – 8th, 2000 – 7th, 2004 – 7th, 2012 – 12th.

About the team: Eight times Olympic champions India have in recent years been showing signs that a return to the glory days of old might be just around the corner. Following a ninth place finish at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup, the team produced a string of high quality performances to claim the silver medal behind World Champions Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. That success was a sign of even greater things to come, with India storming to glory at the 2014 Asian Games to seal their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by defeating eternal rivals Pakistan in the competition final before landing a fourth place finish at the end-of-year Hero Hockey Champions Trophy on home soil in Bhubaneswar. 2015 saw further improvement, with the side securing the bronze medal at the end-of-year Hero Hockey World League Final event in Raipur, India.

The team coached by legendary Dutch tactician Roelant Oltmans – who guided the Netherlands men to Olympic and World Cup glory in 1996 and 1998 respectively – have been in outstanding form this year, claiming silver medals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (Ipoh, Malaysia) and the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy (London, Great Britain).

The India squad is packed with plenty of talent. Team captain P.R. Sreejesh is one of the most gifted and charismatic goalkeepers around, while drag- flicking defenders V.R. Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh are a constant threat at penalty corners. The forward line is also impressive, with lively attackers S.V. Sunil, Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh all being capable of making a big impact. Make no mistake about it, India are back and could easily find themselves amongst the medals in Rio.

Coach comment – Roelant Oltmans: “With our recent performances, we have shown the world that we can beat the best in the business and that’s what we will aim at doing at the Olympics. This squad is the best representation of Indian hockey and I am confident this combination will bring us the best results.”

INDIA Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 5

How they qualified: Champions of Asia

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One to watch – PR Sreejesh One of the most athletic goalkeepers in the game, 28-year-old Sreejesh is a sensational shot-stopper and a hugely respected figure within the Indian team. He has been in brilliant form this year and has the potential to play a huge role in India’s Olympic campaign.

Hockey India website: www.hockeyindia.org Twitter: @thehockeyindia Facebook: TheHockeyIndia Instagram: @hockeyindia

Manager: Tushar KHANDKER Coach: Roelant OLTMANS Assistant Coach: Rogier VAN GENT Stand-In Manager: Mathew EYLES

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Harmanpreet SINGH 06/01/1996 4 16 Defender

3 Rupinder Pal SINGH 11/11/1990 55 144 Defender

5 Kothajit KHADANGBAM 17/08/1992 4 131 Defender

6 Surender KUMAR 23/11/1993 0 24 Defender

7 Manpreet SINGH 26/06/1992 11 156 Midfielder

8 Sardar SINGH 15/07/1986 16 247 Midfielder

12 Raghunath VOKKALIGA 01/11/1988 130 214 Defender

15 Uthappa SANNUVANDA 02/12/1993 12 94 Midfielder

16 Sreejesh PARATTU 08/05/1988 0 156 Goalkeeper

17 Danish MUJTABA 20/12/1988 26 160 Midfielder

22 Devindar WALMIKI 28/05/1992 5 29 Midfielder

24 Sunil SOWMARPET 06/05/1989 59 190 Forward

27 Akashdeep SINGH 02/12/1994 31 102 Forward

29 Chinglensana KANGUJAM 02/12/1991 5 110 Midfielder

31 Ramandeep SINGH 01/04/1993 21 72 Forward

32 Chandanda THIMMAIAH 18/01/1991 15 71 Forward

18 (P) Pardeep MOR 03/06/1992 0 14 Defender

19 (P) Vikas DAHIYA 08/05/1995 0 7 Goalkeeper

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Notable honours: Bronze medallists – Unibet EuroHockey Championships (2015), 12th Place – Hockey World Cup (1978, 1990), 5th Place – EuroHockey Nations Championship (2011).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1908 – 2nd.

About the team: The Ireland men’s hockey team’s qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been one of the major talking points of any sport in the build-up to this summer’s mega-event, but it is always worth providing a reminder as to why their qualification was so momentous.

A fifth place finish at last year’s FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp was a fantastic achievement in itself, but left their Olympic qualification hanging in the balance. The situation was simple. If the already qualified Australia emerged victorious in October 2015’s Oceania Cup, Ireland would be guaranteed a place at Rio as the team who ranked highest at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals not already qualified. The Kookaburras did exactly what was needed, defeating New Zealand’s Black Sticks and guaranteeing a moment of Irish sporting history as the Green Machine became the first Irish team, in any sport, to qualify for the Olympics since the 1908 Games in London.

The team are coached by former South African international Craig Fulton – who represented his country at the 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games and was named FIH Hockey Stars Coach of the Year in 2015 – and have plenty of high quality players amongst their ranks. Davey Harte is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, while hugely talented midfielder Shane O’Donoghue averages a goal every two games for his country and could make a real name for himself in Rio. Defender Ronan Gormley and midfielder Eugene Magee bring plenty of experience to the fold, having both represented Ireland over 200 times.

Like all of the teams competing in Rio, they are not just here to make up the numbers and have set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals. Their remarkable bronze medal at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships last summer in London suggests that it is certainly possible and, if it happens, the sky is the limit.

IRELAND Nickname: The Green Machine

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 12

How they qualified: 5th Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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Coach comment – Craig Fulton: “We want to play a quarter-final so that means top four in the pool. We have to pick up two wins at least, or a win and a draw, but I mean we’ve played all the teams so I’m not too worried about everyone else. The focus is pretty much on us and what we need to do.”

One to watch – Davey Harte The 2015 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year is a truly extraordinary shot-stopper. His performances over the last 18 months has been pivotal to Ireland’s historic achievements in qualifying for the Rio Olympics and claiming that brilliant bronze medal at the Unibet EuroHockey Championships. With Harte in goal, Ireland always have a chance.

Hockey Ireland website: www.hockey.ie Twitter: @irishhockey Facebook: IrishHockeyAssociation

Manager: Stephen BARRY Coach: Craig FULTON Assistant Coach: Jonny CAREN Stand-In Manager: Nigel HENDERSON

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 David HARTE 03/04/1988 0 173 Goalkeeper

3 John JACKSON 21/02/1986 8 206 Defender

4 Jonathan BELL 19/06/1987 0 90 Defender

6 Ronan GORMLEY 21/04/1983 11 242 Defender

7 Michael WATT 13/04/1987 55 192 Forward

8 Chris CARGO 18/02/1986 22 140 Midfielder

10 Alan SOTHERN 28/07/1987 58 138 Forward

11 John JERMYN 30/03/1982 90 170 Midfielder

12 Eugene MAGEE 01/04/1986 46 229 Midfielder

13 Peter CARUTH 04/06/1988 27 123 Forward

15 Kirk SHIMMINS 01/06/1994 4 74 Midfielder

16 Shane O'DONOGHUE 24/11/1992 51 105 Midfielder

20 Michael DARLING 03/07/1988 44 163 Forward

24 Kyle GOOD 10/12/1991 16 72 Forward

26 Paul GLEGHORNE 11/04/1987 8 154 Defender

27 Conor HARTE 03/04/1988 33 182 Defender

21 (P) Timothy COCKRAM 18/01/1984 55 190 Forward

22 (P) Michael ROBSON 18/04/1995 1 57 Midfielder

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Notable honours: 4x Pan American Games gold medallists (1983, 1987, 1999, 2007), Pan American Cup gold medallists (2009), FIH Champions Challenge 1 silver medallists (2014).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1964 – 13th, 1976 – 10th, 1984 – 12th, 1988 – 11th, 2000 – 10th, 2008 – 10th.

About the team: Canada have long been a major force in Pan American hockey, having claimed a glittering collection of medals from the Pan Am Games and Pan Am Cup competitions. Their rivalry with Pool B opponents Argentina is the stuff of legend, with the two nations contesting every major Pan Am final since 1975. The Red Caribous have won gold at the Pan American Games on four occasions, as well as winning gold at the Pan American Cup in 2009. They have also competed at six Olympic Games, five World Cups and five Commonwealth Games to date. Scott Tupper, Mark Pearson and Matthew Guest are star performers outfield while goalkeeper David Carter is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers on the planet.

The team is coached by Australian Anthony Farry who stepped up from Assistant Coach following the Canada’s failure to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Farry’s young side have made huge strides forward over the past 18 months, with a third place finish at the Hockey World League Round 2 event in San Diego being followed by an impressive fourth place finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Argentina, which proved to be good enough to secure a berth at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Coach comment – Anthony Farry: “We have had strong internal competition over the last four years, with guys jockeying for spots for each competition. It has been a pleasure watching the larger group grow over that period and develop into the team of sixteen athletes who will give us the best chance of success in Rio.”

CANADA Nickname: The Red Caribous

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 15

How they qualified: 4th Place – Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final

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One to watch – Scott Tupper Canada’s captain and talisman is a rock solid defender who leads by example. Committed in the tackle and blessed with great vision, Tupper has a habit of controlling games from the back line and also getting on the score-sheet with crucial goals. Tupper – named on the all-star Pan American Elite Team on three separate occasions – has spent many years plying his trade in Europe’s best club leagues, representing Club an der Alster in Hamburg, Germany, as well as Brussels-based Racing Club in Belgium.

Field Hockey Canada website: www.fieldhockey.ca Twitter: @FieldHockeyCan Facebook: FHCanada Instagram: @FieldHockeyCan

Coach: Anthony FARRY Assistant Coach: Paul BUNDY Stand-In Manager: Paul BUNDY

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position2 Benjamin MARTIN 18/04/1987 N/A 101 Defender

4 Scott TUPPER 16/12/1986 N/A 240 Defender

5 Devohn NORONHA TEIXEIRA 09/02/1989 N/A 71 Forward

7 Gabriel HO-GARCIA 19/05/1993 N/A 87 Midfielder

10 Keegan PEREIRA 08/09/1991 N/A 103 Forward

11 Jagdish GILL 05/12/1984 N/A 64 Defender

14 Adam FROESE 13/08/1991 N/A 140 Defender

16 Gordon JOHNSTON 30/01/1993 N/A 98 Defender

17 Brenden BISSETT 28/01/1993 N/A 59 Forward

19 Mark PEARSON 18/06/1987 N/A 205 Midfielder

21 Matthew SARMENTO 23/06/1991 N/A 63 Forward

23 Iain SMYTHE 02/06/1985 N/A 129 Forward

26 Matthew GUEST 26/04/1985 N/A 123 Forward

27 Sukhhi PANESAR 26/12/1993 N/A 76 Midfielder

29 Taylor CURRAN 19/05/1992 N/A 116 Midfielder

30 David CARTER 04/11/1981 N/A 135 Goalkeeper

9 (P) Richard HILDRETH 03/06/1984 N/A 154 Midfielder

31 (P) Antoni KINDLER 16/05/1988 N/A 65 Goalkeeper

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Match schedule

Information about the match schedule for Hockey at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games can be found by click here.

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Officials

Appointment Name Country Appointed ByAppeal Jury READ, Ken (SC) (President) AUS FIH

AHMED, Seif EGY FIH

BUDEISKY, Alberto ARG FIH

COX, Marsha RSA FIH

ELGAR, Pam NZL FIH

FLEUREN, Marijke NED FIH

GOTHERIDGE, Martin GBR FIH

HARRIS, Willard TTO FIH

NURSE, Gordon GBR FIH

SILVANO, Ermanno ITA FIH

Technical Delegate McCRACKEN, Jason NZL FIH

Assistant TDs DECKENBROCK, Christian GER FIH

DEVADAS, Mathavan SIN FIH

ISBERG, Bjorn SWE FIH

Judges AGUILERA, Antonio ESP FIH

ALEMAN, Luis Cesar ARG FIH

BALAKRISNAN, Muthukumar MAS FIH

BURT, Josh AUS FIH

DE MATTOS, Thiago BRA FIH

KANYANGARARA, Aaron ZIM FIH

Medical Officer WEFERS BETTINK, Peter (Dr.) NED FIH

GREEN, Michael (Dr.) GER FIH

Umpires Managers EHLERS, Henrik DEN FIH

GRIBBLE, Craig NZL FIH

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Note: All officials correct at time of publication.

Appointment Name Country Appointed ByUmpires BLASCH, Christian GER FIH

CHEN, Dekang CHN FIH

GRIME, Murray AUS FIH

GROCHAL, Marcin POL FIH

KEARNS, Adam AUS FIH

LIM, Hong Zhen SIN FIH

MADDEN, Martin GBR FIH

MONTES DE OCA, German ARG FIH

PULLMAN, Tim AUS FIH

SERVETTO, Marcelo ESP FIH

SHAIKH, Javed IND FIH

STAGNO, Nathan GBR FIH

TAYLOR, Simon NZL FIH

VAN BUNGE, Coen NED FIH

VAZQUEZ, Paco ESP FIH

WRIGHT, John RSA FIH

Video Umpires MAIR, Andy GBR FIH

NEL, Deon RSA FIH

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Notable honours: 3x Olympic gold medallists (1984, 2008, 2012), Olympic silver medallists (2004), 3x Olympic bronze medallists (1988, 1996, 2000), 7x World champions (1974, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1986, 1990, 2006, 2014), Hockey World League champions (2012-14 Edition), 6x Champions Trophy winners (1987, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011), 8x European Champions (1984, 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1984 – 1st, 1988 – 3rd, 1992 – 6th, 1996 – 3rd, 2000 – 3rd, 2004 – 2nd, 2008 – 1st, 2012 – 1st.

About the team: The Netherlands have long been one of the dominant forces in world hockey, and in recent years have claimed the vast majority of the sport’s biggest prizes. They are the Olympic gold medallists from both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, and two years ago once again proved themselves as the finest team on the planet by winning the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in front of their home fans in The Hague.

In 2015, the team secured their Olympic berth thanks to a first place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium (July 2015), but were beaten by England in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London (August 2015). The team ended 2015 with a disappointing fifth place finish at the Argentina Hockey World League Final in Rosario and finished second behind Argentina at the Hockey Champions Trophy in London earlier this year. Despite this, they remain the world’s top ranked side and will be the team to beat at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where a third successive gold medal is a very realistic possibility. The Netherlands have a glittering array of world-class talent at their disposal. The squad named for Rio contains four FIH Players of the Year – Naomi van As (2009), Maartje Paumen (2011 and 2012), Ellen Hoog (2014) and Lidewij Welten (2015), while brilliant shot-stopper Joyce Sombroek, the FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year for both 2014 and 2015, is an ever-reliable presence.

Extra info: In October 2015, the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) named legendary Australia international Alyson Annan as Head Coach of the Netherlands women. Annan – widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and a central figure in the Hockeyroos team that won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups between 1994 and 2000 –

Women’s Event - Pool A: NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, CHINA, GERMANy, KOREA, SPAIN

NETHERLANDS Nickname: Oranje

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 1

How they qualified: 1st Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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moved into the position vacated by Sjoerd Marijne, who stepped away from the role following the Netherlands’ shoot-out defeat to England in the final of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in August. Double FIH Player of the Year Annan has been a long-time resident in the Netherlands and, since ending her playing career in 2003, has held numerous coaching roles. In 2004 she was Assistant Coach to Marc Lammers, who guided the Netherlands women to a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Athens. More recently, Annan has been coaching the Dutch junior women’s team and Amsterdam H&BC men, the latter making her the first female Head Coach in the history of the top Dutch men’s division.

One to watch – Lidewij Welten The 2015 FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year is an exceptional attacker blessed with speed, skill and an eye for goal. Welten has been a dazzling performer for the Netherlands over the past 18 months and is likely to be a central figure for the side in Rio.

KNHB website: www.knhb.nl Facebook: OranjeHockey Twitter: @OranjeHockey Instagram: @OranjeHockey

Manager: Femke KOOIJMAN Coach: Alyson ANNAN-THATE Assistant Coach: Albert Kees MANENSCHIJN

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Joyce SOMBROEK 10/09/1990 0 108 Goalkeeper

3 Xan DE WAARD 08/11/1995 6 63 Forward

4 Kitty VAN MALE 05/06/1988 16 70 Forward

6 Laurien LEURINK 13/11/1994 1 12 Midfielder

7 Willemijn BOS 02/05/1988 2 97 Defender

8 Marloes KEETELS 04/05/1993 6 71 Defender

9 Carlien DIRKSE VAN DEN HEUVEL 16/04/1987 21 145 Midfielder

10 Kelly JONKER 23/05/1990 38 111 Forward

11 Maria VERSCHOOR 22/04/1994 5 55 Midfielder

12 Lidewij WELTEN 16/07/1990 45 141 Midfielder

13 Caia VAN MAASAKKER 05/04/1989 21 103 Defender

17 Maartje PAUMEN 19/09/1985 190 226 Defender

18 Naomi VAN AS 26/07/1983 45 220 Midfielder

19 Ellen HOOG 26/03/1986 60 224 Forward

23 Margot VAN GEFFEN 23/11/1989 2 110 Defender

24 Eva DE GOEDE 23/03/1989 23 170 Midfielder

16 (P) Michelle VAN DER POLS 06/01/1989 5 54 Forward

20 (P) Laura NUNNINK 26/01/1995 0 44 Midfielder

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Notable honours: 3x Oceania Cup gold medallists (2007, 2009, 2011), Hockey World League silver medallists (2015), 6x Oceania Cup silver medallists (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2013, 2015), FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (2011), 2x FIH Champions Challenge gold medallists (2005, 2009), Commonwealth Games silver medallists (2010), 2x Commonwealth Games bronze medallists (1998, 2014), 4th place at London 2012 Olympic Games.

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1984 – 6th, 1992 – 8th, 2000 – 6th, 2004 – 6th, 2008 – 12th, 2012 – 4th.

About the team: Under the guidance of Head Coach and former Australian international Mark Hager, New Zealand’s Black Sticks have enjoyed arguably the most successful period in their history. In 2011, the team claimed their first ever Hockey Champions Trophy medal when they took third place at the competition in Amsterdam, and a year later narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal when they were beaten by Great Britain in the fight for bronze. Following a difficult 2013, the team achieved a hugely creditable fifth place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 before claiming fourth place at the end-of-year Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy.

In 2015, a fourth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final and a silver medal at the Oceania Cup were slightly below expectations, but the side ended the year with a magnificent, confidence boosting silver medal at the Argentina Hockey World League Final, losing the final against the host nation in Rosario. A sixth place finish at the recent Hockey Champions Trophy in London was disappointing, but certainly should not detract from the fact that this squad is capable of getting amongst the medals in Rio.

The New Zealand squad named for the 2016 Olympic Games contained masses of world level experience. Five players in the group have represented the Black Sticks over 200 times, with Gemma Flynn (238), Charlotte Harrison (214), Stacey Michelsen (208), Kayla Whitelock (formerly Sharland, 247) and Anita McLaren (formerly Punt, 239) all having achieved the milestone. McLaren and Flynn provide speed and goals, while team captain Kayla Whitelock has made a sparkling return to international hockey in 2016 following the birth of her daughter Addison last year.

Player perspective – Kayla Whitelock: on why she decided to return to international hockey: “Just being so close in London, not quite getting that medal. That would be a dream, getting a medal in Rio. I was watching the girls and seeing how they were going, and I think they were taking a good step in the right direction and I wanted to be part of it.”

NEW ZEALAND Nickname: The Black Sticks

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 4

How they qualified: 4th Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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One to watch – Anita McLaren (formerly Punt) With well over 200 international appearances to her name, this lightning fast attacker is one of the most experienced members of the Black Sticks line-up. Her frightening turn of pace has been terrorizing defenders for years, and is also a regular scorer from penalty corner situations thanks to her impressive drag-flicking skills. She recently married New Zealand decathlete Scott McLaren.

Hockey New Zealand website: www.hockeynz.co.nz Twitter: @BlackSticks Facebook: nzblacksticks Instagram: @BlackSticks

Manager: Chris MENEZES Coach: Mark HAGER Assistant Coach: Sean DANCER Stand-In Manager: Chris LESLIE

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Kayla WHITELOCK 30/10/1985 62 247 Midfielder

4 Olivia MERRY 16/03/1992 51 132 Forward

6 Petrea WEBSTER 30/03/1988 36 144 Forward

8 Sally RUTHERFORD 05/06/1981 0 118 Goalkeeper

9 Brooke NEAL 04/07/1992 5 88 Defender

13 Samantha CHARLTON 07/12/1991 5 171 Defender

16 Liz THOMPSON 08/12/1994 9 114 Defender

17 Sophie COCKS 25/07/1994 28 107 Forward

18 Kirsten PEARCE 10/04/1991 18 53 Forward

22 Gemma FLYNN 02/05/1990 68 238 Midfielder

23 Charlotte HARRISON 31/07/1989 63 214 Forward

24 Rose KEDDELL 31/01/1994 9 128 Defender

25 Kelsey SMITH 11/08/1994 3 20 Midfielder

26 Pippa HAYWARD 23/05/1990 11 109 Defender

31 Stacey MICHELSEN 18/02/1991 24 208 Midfielder

32 Anita MCLAREN 02/10/1987 94 239 Midfielder

10 (P) Amelia GIBSON 05/07/1991 0 57 Goalkeeper

12 (P) Ella GUNSON 09/07/1989 6 149 Midfielder

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Notable honours: Olympic silver medallists (2008), World Cup bronze medallists (2002), Champions Trophy gold medallists (2002), 2x Champions Trophy silver medallists (2003, 2006), Champions Trophy bronze medallists (2005), 3x Asian Games gold medallists (2002, 2006, 2010), 2x Asia Cup gold medallists (1989, 2009).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 2000 – 5th, 2004 – 4th, 2008 – 2nd, 2012 – 6th.

About the team: China have been in something of a transitional phase in recent years, but the current group is really starting to make some serious headway in their bid to restore the team to the performance levels achieved in 2008, when they claimed the silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games. There is a clear focus on youth these days, with the vast majority of players that have featured in recent squads being aged 24 or under. 28-year-olds Xu Xiaoxu and Ma Wei were the oldest members of the squad that took part in the Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final in June 2015, with the vast majority of the squad being aged between 19 and 24.

The relative youth of the team did not stop them from making big waves in Valencia, recording some excellent victories on their way to a hugely impressive second place finish behind Great Britain and booking a ticket to Rio in the process. Their best performance came in the competition semi-final meeting with the higher-ranked Argentina, with penalty corner expert Wang Mengyu scoring twice to give China a 2-1 win over Las Leonas. Ace goalkeeper Li Dongxiao, lively midfielder De Jiaojiao and forward Zhao Yudiao – the 2010 FIH Young Player of the Year - are also influential players for a China team that is growing in confidence with every tournament that they enter.

CHINA Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 6

How they qualified: 2nd Place – Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final

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One to watch – Wang Mengyu The 24-year-old defender is one of the most experienced campaigners in the China team, and is fast developing a reputation as a feared goal-scorer from penalty corner situations. Despite her tender age, Wang has played over 170 internationals and already has Olympic, World Cup and Asian Games experience under her belt.

Manager: ZHAO Xiaoyu Coach: CHO Myung Jun Assistant Coach: WANG Zhongjun Stand-In Manager: LEI Jun

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 LI Dongxiao 26/11/1987 0 116 Goalkeeper

2 WANG Mengyu 25/05/1992 26 171 Defender

5 LI Jiaqi 02/07/1995 0 40 Midfielder

6 DE Jiaojiao 05/01/1990 3 203 Midfielder

7 CUI Qiuxia 11/09/1990 2 106 Defender

8 YU Qian 25/03/1992 5 53 Forward

10 PENG Yang 17/01/1992 11 140 Midfielder

11 LIANG Meiyu 08/01/1994 21 111 Midfielder

12 WANG Na 05/08/1994 5 52 Midfielder

15 ZHANG Jinrong 24/03/1997 12 48 Forward

17 LI Hongxia 10/09/1986 38 178 Forward

18 WU Qiong 28/04/1989 0 24 Defender

19 ZHANG Xiaxue 13/12/1992 13 79 Forward

20 SUN Xiao 13/06/1992 3 66 Defender

21 ZHAO Yudiao 25/05/1989 38 216 Forward

22 SONG Qingling 22/07/1986 18 207 Defender

16 (P) OU Zixia 24/09/1995 0 42 Defender

30 (P) GUO Jiajia 06/06/1994 0 18 Goalkeeper

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Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (2004), 2x Olympic silver medallists (1984, 1992), 2x World Champions (1976, 1981), 2x European champions (2007, 2013), Champions Trophy gold medallists (2006).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1984* - 2nd, 1988* – 5th, 1992 – 2nd, 1996 – 6th, 2000 – 7th, 2004 – 1st, 2008 – 4th, 2012 – 7th.

About the team: 2013 European champions Germany – known as Die Danas – are always serious title contenders in every event in which they compete, something that will be no different in Rio. The current group is young, exciting and blessed with a number of exceptionally talented individuals.

Head Coach Jamilon Mülders has been nurturing this gifted group for a number of years, and has named a squad containing a fine balance of talented youngsters alongside some experienced old heads. Goal-scoring sensation Lisa Altenburg has been included, as has inspirational defender Julia Müller, who is back to full fitness after a year-long absence through injury. Goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds is a world-class talent who has proven herself agile and a fabulous performer in a shoot-out scenario. Anne Schröder and Janne Müller-Weiland are always at the heart of the German team and will play their roles as key figures of the leadership group implemented by Head Coach Mülders, with Hannah Krüger and Franzisca Hauke – younger sister of Germany men’s superstar Tobias Hauke – also being members.

The 2004 Olympic gold medallists took the bronze medal at the Unibet EuroHockey Championship 2015 in London last summer, and will be once again targeting a podium finish at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

One to watch – Charlotte Stapenhorst This lively attacker had a sensational tournament at last year’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London. The 21-year-old was a constant scourge to opposition defences and played with maturity beyond her years.

*As West Germany

GERMANy Nickname: Die Danas

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 9

How they qualified: 3rd Place – Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final

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Deutscher Hockey-Bund website: www.hockey.de Twitter: @diedanas Facebook: diedanas Instagram: @diedanas

Manager: Julia WALTER Coach: Jamilon MÜLDERS Assistant Coach: Andreas HÖPPNER Stand-In Manager: Andre HENNING

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position4 Nike LORENZ 12/03/1997 6 36 Defender

5 Selin ORUZ 05/02/1997 0 32 Defender

8 Anne SCHRÖDER 11/09/1994 8 89 Midfielder

11 Lisa SCHÜTZE 05/10/1996 5 47 Forward

12 Charlotte STAPENHORST 15/06/1995 12 41 Forward

14 Janne MÜLLER-WIELAND 28/10/1986 13 232 Defender

15 Hannah KRÜGER 04/09/1988 31 157 Midfielder

17 Jana TESCHKE 22/09/1990 6 132 Midfielder

18 Lisa ALTENBURG 23/09/1989 31 94 Forward

21 Franzisca HAUKE 10/09/1989 18 118 Midfielder

22 Cecile PIEPER 31/08/1994 2 52 Midfielder

23 Marie MÄVERS 13/02/1991 49 153 Forward

24 Annika SPRINK 20/10/1995 0 17 Defender

28 Julia MÜLLER 10/12/1985 72 260 Defender

29 Pia-Sophie OLDHAFER 01/07/1992 7 55 Forward

32 Kristina REYNOLDS 18/02/1984 0 119 Goalkeeper

1 (P) Yvonne FRANK 07/02/1980 0 158 Goalkeeper

13 (P) Katharina OTTE 29/05/1987 19 151 Defender

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Notable honours: 2x Olympic silver medallists (1988, 1996), Hockey World Cup bronze medallists (1990), FIH Champions Trophy gold medallists (1989), FIH Champions Trophy silver medallists (1995), FIH Champions Trophy bronze medallists (1987), 2x FIH Champions Challenge silver medallists (2002, 2007), 5x Asian Games gold medallists (1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014), 3x Asia Cup gold medallists (1985, 1993, 1999).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1988 – 2nd, 1992 – 4th, 1996 – 2nd, 2000 – 9th, 2004 – 7th, 2008 – 9th, 2012 – 8th.

About the team: Korea are known for being one of the most well-organised international sides in world hockey, and on their day are capable of giving any team a run for their money. They were in excellent form at last year’s FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, claiming a second place finish behind reigning World and Olympic champions Netherlands, who needed a late strike from 2014 FIH Player of the Year Ellen Hoog to seal the win. Despite the defeat, the Korean players went away from the competition feeling justifiably proud of their performances.

Following a difficult 2013 where the side were defeated in the final of the Asia Cup by Japan before recording a dismal eighth place finish at the end of year Argentina Hockey World League Final, Korea started 2014 in disarray but ended the year in high spirits. A shock fifth place finish at the Champions Challenge 1 event in Glasgow early in 2014 was a massive low for the proud Korean team, arriving at the event as favourites but failing to secure a place on the podium. A seventh place finish at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup proved to be both a turning point and ideal preparation for the 2014 Asian Games on home soil in Incheon. It turned out to be a fantastic tournament for the hosts, who defeated China in the competition final to claim a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

As you would expect, Head Coach Han Jinsoo has named his strongest possible line-up for Rio. Feared striker Park Mi Hyun and ace attacker Kim Jong Eun are usually the first names down on the team-sheet and are massively influential figures both on and off the field, as is key midfielder Han Hye Lyoung. Goalkeeper Jang Sooji is another player to keep an eye on, having earned a reputation as a terrific shot-stopper who is something of an expert when it comes to shoot-outs. Jang conceded just two goals in two shoot-out competitions at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium, making crucial saves as her team defeated Belgium and New Zealand on route to the final.

KOREA Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 8

How they qualified: Champions of Asia

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One to watch – Park Mi Hyun A live-wire striker with an extraordinary ability to create chances out of nothing. The 30-year-old attacker has player over 220 times for her country and was named on the ten strong shortlist for the 2013 FIH Player of the Year Award.

Manager: KANG Keonwook Coach: HAN Jinsoo Assistant Coach: KIM Yoon Stand-In Manager: KIM Sang Ryul

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 JANG Sooji 21/11/1987 0 150 Goalkeeper

4 SEO Jungeun 26/12/1991 3 20 Defender

7 PARK Seunga 16/04/1991 10 57 Forward

8 AN Hyoju 25/11/1987 2 90 Midfielder

9 HAN Hye Lyoung 15/01/1986 20 156 Midfielder

10 PARK Mi Hyun 26/01/1986 50 227 Forward

11 KIM Jong Eun 18/02/1986 40 206 Forward

13 CHEON Eunbi 07/02/1992 15 95 Forward

14 HONG Yoojin 21/02/1989 27 74 Midfielder

16 CHO Hyejin 16/01/1995 0 22 Forward

18 KIM Bomi 07/10/1985 5 96 Midfielder

20 KIM Hyunji 04/11/1993 1 38 Midfielder

22 JANG Heesun 31/05/1986 1 8 Defender

23 LEE Youngsil 13/03/1987 5 91 Forward

25 PARK Kiju 14/02/1990 2 133 Defender

26 BAEK Eeseul 04/10/1994 0 26 Defender

6 (P) LEE Yurim 14/12/1994 0 5 Defender

29 (P) JUNG Heabin 20/01/1994 0 57 Goalkeeper

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Notable honours: Olympic gold medallists (1992), 2x EuroHockey Nations Championships silver medallists (1995, 2003), Champions Challenge 1 silver medallists (2003).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1992 – 1st, 1996 – 8th, 2000 – 4th, 2004 – 10th, 2008 – 7th.

About the team: There can be no doubt that under the guidance of Head Coach Adrian Lock, 1992 Olympic gold medallists Spain have been undergoing something of a revival. The Englishman – a former U-21 international - is getting the best out of a youthful but extremely talented group of players, many of which could be central figures not just at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games but also the Tokyo 2020 competition.

Key players include battling midfielder Georgina Oliva, team captain Rocío Ybarra and 24-year-old Berta Bonastre, the younger sister of Silvia Bonastre, who represented Spain at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. With 235 caps to her name, Ybarra is by far and away the most capped athlete in the group and is likely to be a key player in Rio.

Following a sixth place finish at last year’s Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final, Spain’s Olympic berth was confirmed following the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (SASCOC) decision to reject the invitation of continental champions South Africa women. The decision to invite Spain women was in line with the official FIH Qualification System for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad – Rio 2016, section F, which states that if an allocated quota place is declined by the NOC, the quota place will be reallocated to the next highest placed team from the Hockey World League Semi-Finals not already qualified.

Coach comment – Adrian Lock: “The national team has changed enormously in recent years. Not qualifying for the World Cup in 2014 allowed us to put in place new structures, coaching and training methods and think more long term. We have changed how we play, our style of training is changing and the girls are infinitely fitter, which at the end of the day is what allows us to compete.”

SPAIN Nickname: The Red Sticks

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 14

How they qualified: 6th Place – Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final

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One to watch – Rocío ybarra The 31-year-old defender is one of the most important players in the Spanish line-up and certainly the most experienced having been an integral part of the team for over a decade and earned over 230 caps.

RFEH website: www.rfeh.es Twitter: @rfe_hockey Facebook: RFEH Hockey Instagram: absolutafemenino

Manager: Raul GOMEZ Coach: Adrian LOCK Assistant Coach: Jorge DONOSO Stand-In Manager: Jordi ALASTRUE

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Maria LOPEZ DE EGUILAZ 12/07/1984 0 136 Goalkeeper

2 Rocio GUTIERREZ 20/07/1985 0 86 Defender

3 Rocio YBARRA 26/12/1984 15 235 Midfielder

7 Carlota PETCHAME 25/06/1990 12 104 Forward

8 Carola SALVATELLA 08/07/1994 5 48 Forward

9 Maria LOPEZ 16/02/1990 0 100 Defender

10 Berta BONASTRE 03/06/1992 16 102 Forward

11 Cristina GUINEA 31/07/1992 3 74 Midfielder

17 Lola RIERA 25/06/1991 30 92 Defender

20 Xantal GINE 23/09/1992 0 76 Defender

21 Beatriz PEREZ 04/05/1991 15 109 Midfielder

22 Gloria COMERMA 18/04/1987 11 186 Midfielder

23 Georgina OLIVA 18/07/1990 10 159 Midfielder

24 Begona GARCIA 19/07/1995 9 47 Forward

25 Alicia MAGAZ 24/05/1994 16 58 Forward

29 Lucia JIMENEZ 08/01/1997 0 28 Midfielder

16 (P) Maria RUIZ 18/03/1990 0 66 Goalkeeper

18 (P) Julia PONS 27/07/1994 1 74 Midfielder

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Notable honours: 2x World champions (2002, 2010), 2x Olympic silver medallists (2000, 2012), 2x Olympic bronze medallists (2004, 2008), Hockey World League champions (2015), 7x Champions Trophy winners (2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016), 6x Pan-American Games gold medallists (1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), 4x Pan-American Cup winners (2001, 2004, 2009, 2013).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1988 – 7th, 1996 – 7th, 2000 – 2nd, 2004 – 3rd, 2008 – 3rd, 2012 – 2nd.

About the team: Alongside the Netherlands, 2012 Olympic silver medallists Argentina have been the dominant force in women’s hockey for well over a decade. “Las Leonas” (The Lionesses) have won six of the last seven Hockey Champions Trophy competitions and also claimed the bronze medal at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in 2014 and silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Despite the retirement of iconic attacking midfielder and eight times FIH Player of the Year Luciana Aymar after the 2014 Hockey Champions Trophy on home soil in Rosario, there is no question that Argentina remain a true powerhouse of world hockey, a fact proven by their recent title successes at the Hockey World League (2015) and the recent Hockey Champions Trophy in London. Delfina Merino, Carla Rebecchi and drag-flicking defender Noel Barrionuevo are all potential match winners amongst the current group, while 2014 FIH Young Player of the Year Florencia Habif and exceptional forward Maria Granatto are rated as two of the most exciting talents in the game.

The team is coached by former Argentina men’s international Gabriel Minadeo, who stepped into the role late in 2015 following the resignation of Santiago Capurro and enjoyed near instant success by winning the Hockey World League. It is Minadeo’s second spell as Head Coach of Argentina women, having guided the team to bronze medals at the 2006 Hockey World Cup and 2008 Olympic Games respectively.

Women’s Event - Pool B: ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA, GREAT BRITAIN, USA, JAPAN, INDIA

ARGENTINA Nickname: Las Leonas

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 2

How they qualified: 4th Place – Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final

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Player perspective - Carla Rebecchi: “We are coming here to win gold. The team is built on guts and dedication. When we are on the pitch, we give everything that we’ve got.”

One to watch – Carla Rebecchi A sensational attacker who can change the game in a blink of an eye, Rebecchi is one of the most experienced players in the Argentina line-up and is always influential. The 31-year-old was at her brilliant best in the recent Hockey Champions Trophy in London, helping her side to the title by finishing top scorer with seven goals and being named the competition’s best player.

Confederación Argentina de Hockey website: www.cahockey.org.ar Twitter: @argfieldhockey Facebook: ArgFieldHockey Instagram: @arg_fieldhockey

Manager: Gabriela PANDO Coach: Gabriel MINADEO

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Belen SUCCI 16/10/1985 0 167 Goalkeeper

3 Victoria ZULOAGA 14/02/1988 3 62 Defender

7 Martina CAVALLERO 07/05/1990 54 150 Forward

11 Carla REBECCHI 07/09/1984 130 277 Forward

12 Delfina MERINO 15/10/1989 112 218 Forward

14 Agustina HABIF 08/03/1992 4 80 Defender

15 Maria GRANATTO 21/04/1995 15 37 Forward

16 Florencia HABIF 22/08/1993 13 132 Midfielder

17 Rocio SANCHEZ 02/08/1988 21 173 Midfielder

19 Agustina ALBERTARRIO 01/01/1993 19 84 Forward

20 Lucina VON DER HEYDE 24/01/1997 1 18 Midfielder

23 Maria CAMPOY 06/10/1990 5 29 Midfielder

25 Gabriela AGUIRRE 19/02/1986 6 84 Midfielder

27 Noel BARRIONUEVO 16/05/1984 142 274 Defender

29 Julia GOMES 30/04/1992 2 95 Defender

31 Maria MUTIO 20/11/1984 0 48 Goalkeeper

18 (P) Pilar ROMANG 09/07/1992 12 83 Forward

26 (P) Maria ORTIZ 16/04/1997 0 27 Midfielder

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Notable honours: 3x Olympic gold medallists (1988, 1996, 2000), 2x World champions (1994, 1998), 3x World Cup silver medallists (1990, 2006, 2014), Hockey World League silver medallists (2012-13 Edition), 6x FIH Champions Trophy gold medallists (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003), 4x Oceania champions (1999, 2001, 2005, 2013, 2015), 4x Commonwealth Games gold medallists (1998, 2006, 2010, 2014), 4x Commonwealth Games gold medallists (1998, 2006, 2010, 2014). Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1984 – 4th, 1988 – 1st, 1992 – 5th, 1996 – 1st, 2000 – 1st, 2004 – 5th, 2008 – 5th, 2012 – 5th.

About the team: Between 1994 and 2000, Australia were unquestionably the best team on the planet, claiming two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups as the team coached by Ric Charlesworth (and inspired by the on-field brilliance of current Netherlands women’s Head Coach Alyson Annan) ruled the hockey world. Many years have passed since that time, but under the expert guidance of Head Coach and former Australia men’s international Adam Commens, the side are once again challenging for the game’s top honours.

Following their fifth place finish at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Australia’s young guns hit some seriously impressive form. Signs of progress were seen as early as September 2012 when the team claimed the FIH Champions Challenge 1, a success which was quickly followed in 2013 by first place finishes at the Hockey World League Semi-Final (London) and Oceania Cup Continental Championship before claiming a silver medal at the Argentina Hockey World League Final in San Miguel de Tucumán. They took their sensational form into the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014, where they finished as silver medallists behind host nation and world number one Netherlands. Since then, the team has won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, Scotland), silver at the 2014 Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy, confirmed their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by taking third at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium, and became Oceania champions once again in 2015. A sixth place finish at the end-of-year Hockey World League Final in Argentina was disappointing, but there is little doubt that this current Australia team is a serious medal contender.

The team will be led by inspirational captain and all-time record cap holder Madonna Blyth, although there are plenty of others who could make a big impact in London. Defender, penalty corner expert and Hockey Australia’s women’s Player of the Year for 2015 Jodie Kenny is a prolific goal-scorer, while forward Emily Smith, brilliant goalkeeper Rachel Lynch and teenage striker Grace Stewart are also key players in this very talented, supremely athletic squad.

Extra info: In February of this year, Adam Commens announced that he would be standing down as Hockeyroos Head Coach after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games due to family reasons. The former Australian international will relinquish his position in November after more than five years in the role.

AUSTRALIA Nickname: The Hockeyroos

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 3

How they qualified: Champions of Oceania

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Coach comment – Adam Commens: “I think there is a certain level of expectation from the Australian Olympic team. Certainly hockey has been extremely successful and we go into each Olympics with the expectation of a medal. The men have won a medal at the last six Olympics and they have the runs on the board. We are trying to emulate that success. This group has an enormous amount of belief and the results to prove it. They think they belong in those finals.”

One to watch – Madonna Blyth Australia’s team captain and star midfielder is the most capped Hockeyroo of all time, having overtaken Nikki Hudson’s 303-game record at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp last summer. Since making her senior international debut in 2004, Blyth has represented her country at two Olympics, earning a reputation as a fearless player who thrives on the big occasion.

Hockey Australia website: www.hockey.org.au Twitter: @hockeyroos Facebook: thehockeyroos Instagram: @hockeyaustraliaofficial

Manager: Stephen DAVIES Assistant Coach: Jason DUFF Coach: Adam COMMENS Stand-In Manager: Kathryn STARRE

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Gabi NANCE 29/07/1994 2 36 Forward

3 Brooke PERIS 16/01/1993 13 95 Midfielder

4 Casey SABLOWSKI 19/03/1989 44 252 Defender

6 Kirstin DWYER 15/03/1989 2 108 Defender

7 Jodie KENNY 18/08/1987 98 180 Defender

11 Karri MCMAHON 27/02/1992 9 104 Midfielder

12 Madonna BLYTH 30/11/1985 70 336 Midfielder

13 Edwina BONE 29/04/1988 2 115 Midfielder

17 Georgina MORGAN 15/05/1993 8 46 Defender

18 Jane-Anne CLAXTON 26/10/1992 9 102 Midfielder

19 Georgie PARKER 26/04/1989 32 102 Forward

20 Kathryn SLATTERY 30/07/1993 17 56 Forward

24 Mariah WILLIAMS 31/05/1995 6 50 Midfielder

26 Emily SMITH 28/07/1992 63 157 Forward

27 Rachael LYNCH 02/07/1986 0 150 Goalkeeper

30 Grace STEWART 28/04/1997 10 22 Forward

2 (P) Georgia NANSCAWEN 27/05/1992 35 183 Forward

9 (P) Anna FLANAGAN 08/01/1992 34 166 Defender

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Notable honours: 2x Olympic bronze medallists (1992, 2012), FIH Champions Trophy silver medallists (2012).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1988 – 4th, 1992 – 3rd, 1996 – 4th, 2000 – 8th, 2008 – 6th, 2012 – 3rd.

About the team: Following their bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Great Britain will be aiming even higher at Rio 2016 and certainly have players capable of mixing it with the very best in the world. They were in excellent form at the Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015, defeating China in the competition final to book their ticket to Rio. The vast majority of that squad went on to represent England at August’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, where they took the title thanks to the goalkeeping heroics of Maddie Hinch, whose brilliance in the shoot-out helped her team overcome world number one ranked Netherlands.

The recent return to winning ways followed a rough period for the England and GB camp. They suffered a significant drop down the FIH World Rankings as a result of England’s dismal 11th place finish at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014, despite entering the competition ranked third. Shortly after the end of that event, England Head Coach Jason Lee stepped away from the squad to be replaced on an interim basis by Danny Kerry, the team’s former Head Coach who also held the role of Performance Director for England and Great Britain Hockey. Kerry’s impact was immediate, guiding the England team to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland before achieving a fifth place finish at the Argentina Hockey Champions Trophy at the end of the year. Soon after, Kerry was named Head Coach for the England and GB Women’s Hockey programme through to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and, following England’s European title success, was named High Performance Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards at the end of 2015. England Hockey recently announced that Kerry had been appointed Head Coach of the England and GB women’s teams on a permanent basis through to the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

As well as the respective talents of ace shot-stopper Hinch and ever-dangerous goal-scorer Alex Danson, a vast array of top class internationals have been named in Kerry’s squad for Rio. 2015 FIH Hockey Stars Young Player of the Year Lily Owsley is one of the hottest young properties in the game thanks to her speed and incredible skills, while veteran stars Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh bring masses of world level experience to the fold. Another hugely experienced player is powerhouse defender and penalty corner expert Crista Cullen, who stepped away from hockey after winning bronze at the 2012 Olympics but returned to the GB training squad late last year. A fifth place finish at the Hockey Champions Trophy on home soil earlier this year was below expectations, but they are expected to be back to their very best at this summer’s Olympics.

GREAT BRITAIN Nickname: Team GB

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 7

How they qualified: Champions of Europe (England)

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Player perspective Helen Richardson-Walsh: “To win bronze in London was great, but we want to not go one better, but two better. We’d love to come home with that gold medal, but every squad heading out there will have exactly the same thoughts as us. I am very proud to be representing GB and even though it’s my fourth time appearing at a Games, the pride that it fills you with never wears off.”

One to watch – Alex Danson One of the most feared strikers in the game, Danson is a defender’s nightmare: quick, skillful and absolutely lethal in front of goal. Named on the shortlist for the FIH Player of the Year for 2013.

GB Hockey website: www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk Twitter: @EnglandHockey Facebook: EnglandHockey Instagram: @gbwomenshockey

Manager: Karen BROWN Coach: Danny KERRY Assistant Coach: Craig KEEGAN

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Maddie HINCH 08/10/1988 0 88 Goalkeeper

4 Laura UNSWORTH 08/03/1988 5 174 Defender

5 Crista CULLEN 20/08/1985 57 184 Defender

6 Hannah MACLEOD 09/06/1984 18 139 Forward

7 Georgie TWIGG 21/11/1990 11 133 Midfielder

8 Helen RICHARDSON-WALSH 23/09/1981 39 277 Midfielder

9 Susannah TOWNSEND 28/07/1989 7 95 Midfielder

11 Kate RICHARDSON-WALSH 09/05/1980 49 361 Defender

13 Sam QUEK 18/10/1988 2 100 Defender

15 Alex DANSON 21/05/1985 89 255 Forward

18 Giselle ANSLEY 31/03/1992 6 71 Defender

19 Sophie BRAY 12/05/1990 25 75 Forward

20 Hollie WEBB 19/09/1990 6 91 Defender

24 Shona MCCALLIN 18/05/1992 1 37 Midfielder

26 Lily OWSLEY 10/12/1994 16 78 Forward

28 Nicola WHITE 20/01/1988 13 155 Midfielder

14 (P) Joie LEIGH 22/02/1993 2 40 Midfielder

21 (P) Ellie WATTON 10/06/1989 11 55 Forward

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Notable honours: Olympic Bronze medallists (1984), Hockey World Cup bronze medallists (1994), Hockey Champions Trophy bronze medallists (1995, 2016), Hockey Champions Challenge gold medallists (2014), 2x Pan American Games gold medallists (2011, 2015), 5x Pan American Games silver medallists (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007), Pan American Games bronze medallists (1991), 4x Pan American Cup silver medallists (2001, 2004, 2009, 2013).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1984 – 3rd, 1988 – 8th, 1996 – 5th, 2008 – 8th, 2012 – 12th.

About the team: Over the past two years, Team USA have earned a reputation as a team that needs to be feared and respected in equal measure. The team – coached by former England and Great Britain international defender Craig Parnham – powered to victory at the 2014 Champions Challenge in Glasgow, Scotland to seal a ticket to this year’s Hockey Champions Trophy before taking their brilliant form into the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, where they claimed a remarkable fourth place finish despite entering the event placed 10th in the FIH World Rankings.

Despite a sub-standard fifth place finish at the Valencia Hockey World League Semi-Final, 2015 will be remembered as a very good year thanks to the successful defence of their Pan American Games gold medal. For the second successive Games, Team USA saw off the challenge of higher-ranked Argentina, with goals from midfielders Katie Reinprecht and Michelle Vittese earning a victory over Las Leonas to seal a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics. This year, the side took the bronze medal at the elite Hockey Champions Trophy in London, an achievement which could well be the launch-pad for a shot at the medals in Brazil this summer.

The USA team is captained by 31-year-old defender Lauren Crandall, who with over 270 international appearances is one of the longest serving members of the group. Crandall is one of five players to have surpassed the 200 caps marker, with key defender Rachel Dawson, Michelle Kasold, Katelyn Falgowski and Katie Bam also members of the 200 club. Melissa Gonzalez, Michelle Vittese, sisters Julia and Katie Reinprecht and goalkeeper Jackie Briggs have all played over 100 times for a very experienced and talented USA team that will be looking to secure a podium finish in Rio.

Player perspective – Katelyn Falgowski (midfield): “We have trained hard and are ready to draw on our training for strength, encouragement and determination. We view every opportunity as a chance to get better and take practice, one day, one game at a time. We are preparing ourselves to the best of our abilities and are excited to see what this summer holds in store for us.”

USA Nickname: Team USA

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 5

How they qualified: Champions of Pan America

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One to watch – Katie Bam (formerly O’Donnell) A quick, skillful and creative forward who sets up as many goals as she scores. The influential 27-year-old has played a significant role in the USA revival in recent years and will be keen to make her mark in London.

USA Field Hockey website: www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey Twitter: @USAFieldHockey Facebook: USAFieldHockey Instagram: @usafieldhockey

Manager: Kelly KNAPP Coach: Craig PARNHAM Assistant Coach: Janneke SCHOPMAN Stand-In Manager: Steve JENNINGS

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position2 Stefanie FEE 11/03/1990 N/A 88 Defender

5 Melissa GONZALEZ 24/01/1989 N/A 181 Midfielder

7 Kelsey KOLOJEJCHICK 02/10/1991 N/A 95 Midfielder

8 Rachel DAWSON 02/08/1985 N/A 289 Defender

9 Michelle VITTESE 06/12/1989 N/A 155 Midfielder

10 Jill WITMER 01/10/1991 N/A 78 Forward

12 Julia REINPRECHT 12/07/1991 N/A 145 Defender

14 Katie REINPRECHT 01/11/1989 N/A 157 Midfielder

16 Katie BAM 06/12/1988 N/A 213 Forward

18 Michelle KASOLD 26/05/1987 N/A 218 Defender

23 Katelyn FALGOWSKI 23/10/1988 N/A 225 Defender

24 Kathleen SHARKEY 30/04/1990 N/A 82 Forward

27 Lauren CRANDALL 17/03/1985 N/A 273 Defender

28 Caitlin VAN SICKLE 26/01/1990 N/A 59 Midfielder

29 Alyssa MANLEY 27/05/1994 N/A 32 Defender

31 Jackie BRIGGS 23/05/1988 N/A 139 Goalkeeper

6 (P) Alesha WIDDALL 03/01/1990 N/A 43 Goalkeeper

21 (P) Paige SELENSKI 30/06/1990 N/A 139 Forward

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Notable honours: 9th place – Olympic Games (2012), 10th place – Rabobank Hockey World Cup (2014), 8th place – FIH Champions Trophy (2014), FIH Champions Challenge 1 gold medallists (2011), 3x Asian Games silver medallists (1986, 1994, 2006), 2x Asia Cup gold medallists (2007, 2013).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 2004 – 8th, 2008 – 10th, 2012 – 9th.

About the team: Over the past decade the Japanese women’s team has been making in-roads on the international hockey scene and will be looking to upset the FIH Hero World Rankings in Rio. One of their most notable performances came in 2013 when the Cherry Blossoms defeated higher-ranked Korea in the final of the Asia Cup. It was a superb result which secured a place at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014, where they finished in 10th position.

Their first foray into the Olympics in 2004 earned them an eighth place finish, and they have qualified for all subsequent Olympic competitions, a record that should continue through to 2020 Games in Tokyo, where as hosts they are likely to qualify automatically.

The Japanese team is renowned for being exceptionally quick and masters of counter-attacking hockey, which will be useful assets as they try to negotiate their way out of the pool and secure a place in the competition quarter-finals.

Fast facts: Four players have played more than 100 times for Japan – Miyuki Nakagawa (287), Mayumi Ono (216), Akane Shibata (132) and Aki Mitsuhashi (105), with Sakiyo Asano (98) and Nagisa Hayashi (97) both likely to reach the 100 caps marker in Rio. 31-year-old Mayumi Ono (DOB: 14/08/1984) is the oldest member of the squad, while 20-year-old Motomi Kawamura (DOB: 05/03/1996) is the youngest. Miyuki Nakagawa is the top scorer amongst the group, with 30 international goals.

JAPAN Nickname: The Cherry Blossoms

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 10

How they qualified: 6th Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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One to watch – Miyuki Nakagawa Team captain Nakagawa is Japan’s most experienced player, having represented her country over 280 times. The 29-year-old midfielder has been involved with the international team for over a decade, competing in the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, making Rio her fourth Olympiad.

Japan Hockey Association website: www.en.hockey.or.jp Twitter: @jha_hockey Facebook: hockey.nationalteam

Manager: Kenji HASEBE Coach: Yuji NAGAI Assistant Coach: Keiko MIURA Stand-In Manager: Mari NAKAMURA

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Sakiyo ASANO 26/05/1987 0 98 Goalkeeper

2 Nagisa HAYASHI 29/08/1986 3 97 Defender

5 Miyuki NAKAGAWA 20/12/1986 30 287 Midfielder

6 Maki SAKAGUCHI 08/06/1989 0 39 Defender

7 Aki MITSUHASHI 12/09/1989 25 105 Forward

8 Ayaka NISHIMURA 10/05/1989 5 75 Defender

9 Yuri NAGAI 26/05/1992 20 93 Forward

10 Mie NAKASHIMA 18/06/1986 8 88 Forward

11 Akane SHIBATA 30/04/1988 18 132 Midfielder

13 Yukari MANO 04/03/1994 2 34 Midfielder

14 Emi NISHIKORI 09/01/1993 0 30 Defender

16 Mayumi ONO 14/08/1984 15 216 Defender

22 Motomi KAWAMURA 05/03/1996 2 20 Forward

30 Minami SHIMIZU 14/07/1993 3 13 Forward

31 Hazuki NAGAI 15/08/1994 15 88 Midfielder

32 Hazuki YUDA 11/07/1989 0 35 Midfielder

4 (P) Kana NOMURA 23/03/1990 2 72 Forward

21 (P) Yu ASAI 08/01/1996 0 21 Defender

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Notable honours: FIH Champions Challenge bronze medallists (2002), Commonwealth Games gold medallists (2002), Commonwealth Games silver medallists (2006), Asian Games gold medallists 1982, Asian Games silver medallists (1998), 3x Asian Games bronze medallists (1986, 2006, 2014), Asia Cup gold medallists (2004), 2x Asia Cup silver medallists (1999, 2009), 2x Asia Cup bronze medallists (1993, 2013).

Rank in previous Olympic editions: 1980 – 4th.

About the team: This will be the first time in 36 years that the women’s team from India will be participating at the Olympic Games and the women’s squad will vie to make the most of this opportunity. The team achieved a fourth place finish at the Moscow 1980 Olympics, an event that remains the one and only Olympic competition that the Eves have played in. Thanks to a fifth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp last year, that will all change this summer when they take on the best in the world at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

India certainly have more than enough quality in their ranks to trouble the top teams. In fact, their opponents will need to figure out exactly how to stop free-scoring attacking duo Vandana Katariya and 21-year-old strike partner Rani Rani, two of the most prolific goal-scorers in the game. India are a brilliant attacking unit but have often found themselves conceding more goals than they should. They defensive strategy has markedly improved in recent years, and if they can keep the number of goals that they concede to a minimum they could well cause some major upsets in Rio.

Coach comment – Neil Hawgood: “This is the first time this team is going to experience the aura of being at the Olympics. It is a big moment for all of them. Each athlete in the team is both physically and mentally strong for the task ahead of us.”

Player perspective – Sunita Lakra: “I never thought that I would be able to play in the Olympics. We are working really hard and are giving the best on the field. If we win medals then it will inspire others to play hockey.”

INDIA Nickname: The Eves

Current FIH Hero World Ranking: 13

How they qualified: 5th Place – FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final, Antwerp

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One to watch – Rani Just 21 years old with a staggering 154 international appearances and 87 goals under her belt, Rani is one of the most feared strikers on the planet and is likely to be among the front-runners for the top scorer accolade in Rio.

Hockey India website: www.hockeyindia.org Twitter: @thehockeyindia Facebook: TheHockeyIndia Instagram: @hockeyindia

Manager: Kumar CHINAMBARAM RAJARETHINAM Coach: Neil HAWGOOD Assistant Coach: David BELL Stand-In Manager: Matthew TREDREA

No. Name DOB Goals Caps Position1 Navjot KAUR 07/03/1995 3 68 Midfielder

3 Deep EKKA 03/06/1994 3 101 Defender

4 Monika MONIKA 05/11/1993 2 53 Midfielder

8 Nikki PRADHAN 08/12/1993 0 12 Midfielder

10 Anuradha THOKCHOM 02/02/1989 13 86 Forward

11 Savita 11/07/1990 0 121 Goalkeeper

15 Poonam RANI 08/02/1993 26 159 Forward

16 Vandana KATARIYA 15/04/1992 38 139 Forward

17 Deepika DEEPIKA 07/02/1987 21 172 Defender

19 Namita TOPPO 04/06/1995 4 92 Defender

24 Renuka YADAV 18/07/1994 0 24 Midfielder

26 Sunita LAKRA 11/06/1991 2 71 Defender

27 Sushila PUKHRAMBAM 25/02/1992 4 112 Defender

28 Rani 04/12/1994 87 154 Forward

30 Preeti DUBEY 13/06/1998 3 9 Forward

31 Lilima MINZ 10/04/1994 5 72 Midfielder

6 (P) Hnialum RUAT FELI 15/07/1996 0 15 Defender

13 (P) Rajani ETIMARPU 09/06/1990 0 47 Goalkeeper

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Match schedule

Information about the match schedule for Hockey at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games can be found by click here.

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Officials

Appointment Name Country Appointed ByAppeal Jury READ, Ken (SC) (President) AUS FIH

AHMED, Seif EGY FIH

BUDEISKY, Alberto ARG FIH

COX, Marsha RSA FIH

ELGAR, Pam NZL FIH

FLEUREN, Marijke NED FIH

GOTHERIDGE, Martin GBR FIH

HARRIS, Willard TTO FIH

NURSE, Gordon GBR FIH

SILVANO, Ermanno ITA FIH

Technical Delegate BROWN, Sheila RSA FIH

Assistant TDs PETITJEAN, Sylvie FRA FIH

PIGRETTI, Laura ARG FIH

RUTTEN, Edna NED FIH

Judges CHEE, Lilian SIN FIH

ROSS, Ginny ZIM FIH

SHARMA, Anjali IND FIH

STANDLEY, Tammy AUS FIH

TAKEDA HIRATA, Alicia MEX FIH

ZELKIN, Rene USA FIH

Medical Officer MÜLLER-EISING, Wiebke Dr. GER FIH

Umpires Managers DE KLERK, Marelize RSA FIH

WOOLLEY, Minka AUS FIH

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Note: All officials correct at time of publication.

Appointment Name Country Appointed ByUmpires ALKEMADE, Fanneke NED FIH

BAXTER, Amy USA FIH

CHURCH, Amber NZL FIH

DE LA FUENTE, Carolina ARG FIH

DELFORGE, Laurine BEL FIH

ESKINA, Elena RUS FIH

HUDSON, Kelly NZL FIH

IPARRAGUIRRE, Soledad ARG FIH

JOUBERT, Michelle RSA FIH

MEISTER, Michelle GER FIH

MIAO, Lin CHN FIH

PRESENQUI, Irene ARG FIH

SEYMOUR, Kylie AUS FIH

SOMA, Chieko JPN FIH

TRIVIC, Melissa AUS FIH

WILSON, Sarah GBR FIH

Video Umpires METCHETTE, Carol IRL FIH

ROACH, Lisa AUS FIH

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Event Photography

In event photography

Getty Images will be capturing imagery from all of the matches being played at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Media Subscribers to Getty’s services will be able to download their images as part of their service. To subscribe to Getty Images, visit www.gettyimages.com and follow the registration process.

National Associations and Continental Federations:

Getty will be providing National Associations and Continental Federations with a selection of images after each game.

To access these photos free of charge, please email: media@fih.ch and in the email subject, state: FIH Images USAGE

FIH National Associations and Continental Federations can use images for their own below the line marketing and promotional purposes to include marketing collateral and digital channels (for example website and social media). Under no circumstances should they be used for commercial purposes. Detailed information about image usage will be provided upon receipt of registration email as detailed above.

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Men’s Olympic Hockey Medal Winners

Edition Venue Gold Silver Bronze

2012 London (GBR) Germany (GER) Netherlands (NED) Australia (AUS)

2008 Beijing (CHN) Germany (GER) Spain (ESP) Australia (AUS)

2004 Athens (GRE) Australia (AUS) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER)

2000 Sydney (AUS) Netherlands (NED) Korea (KOR) Australia (AUS)

1996 Atlanta, GA (USA) Netherlands (NED) Spain (ESP) Australia (AUS)

1992 Barcelona (ESP) Germany (GER) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)

1988 Seoul (KOR) Great Britain (GBR) West Germany (FRG) Netherlands (NED)

1984 Los Angeles, CA (USA) Pakistan (PAK) West Germany (FRG) Great Britain (GBR)

1980 Moscow (URS) India (IND) Spain (ESP) Soviet Union (URS)

1976 Montreal, QC (CAN) New Zealand (NZL) Australia (AUS) Pakistan (PAK)

1972 Munich (FRG) West Germany (FRG) Pakistan (PAK) India (IND)

1968 Mexico City (MEX) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS) India (IND)

1964 Tokyo (JPN) India (IND) Pakistan (PAK) Australia (AUS)

1960 Rome (ITA) Pakistan (PAK) India (IND) Spain (ESP)

1956 Melbourne (AUS) India (IND) Pakistan (PAK) Germany (GER)

1952 Helsinki (FIN) India (IND) Netherlands (NED) Great Britain (GBR)

1948 London (GBR) India (IND) Great Britain (GBR) Netherlands (NED)

1936 Berlin (GER) India (IND) Germany (GER) Netherlands (NED)

1932 Los Angeles, CA (USA) India (IND) Japan (JPN) United States (USA)

1928 Amsterdam (NED) India (IND) Netherlands (NED) Germany (GER)

1920 Antwerp (BEL) Great Britain (GBR) Denmark (DEN) Belgium (BEL)

1908 London (GBR) Great Britain (ENG) Great Britain (IRL) Great Britain (SCO & WAL)

Key Olympic hockey historical facts and figures

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All-time Men’s Olympic Placements2012: 1. Germany, 2. Netherlands, 3. Australia, 4. Great Britain, 5. Belgium, 6. Spain, 7. Pakistan, 8. Korea,

9. New Zealand, 10. Argentina, 11. South Africa, 12. India

2008: 1. Germany, 2. Spain, 3. Australia, 4. Netherlands, 5. Great Britain, 6. Korea, 7. New Zealand 8. Pakistan, 9. Belgium, 10. Canada, 11. China, 12. South Africa

2004: 1. Australia, 2. Netherlands, 3. Germany, 4. Spain, 5. Pakistan, 6. New Zealand, 7. India, 8. Korea, 9. Great Britain, 10. South Africa, 11. Argentina, 12. Egypt

2000: 1. Netherlands, 2. Korea, 3. Australia, 4. Pakistan, 5. Germany, 6. Great Britain, 7. India, 8. Argentina, 9. Spain, 10. Canada, 11. Malaysia, 12. Poland

1996: 1. Netherlands, 2. Spain, 3. Australia, 4. Germany, 5. Korea, 6. Pakistan, 7. Great Britain, 8. India, 9. Argentina, 10. South Africa, 11. Malaysia, 12. United States

1992: 1. Germany, 2. Australia, 3. Pakistan, 4. Netherlands, 5. Spain, 6. Great Britain, 7. India, 8. New Zealand, 9. Malaysia, 10. CIS (Russia), 11. Argentina, 12. Egypt

1988: 1. Great Britain, 2. W. Germany, 3. Netherlands, 4. Australia, 5. Pakistan, 6. India, 7. Soviet Union, 8. Argentina, 9. Spain, 10. Korea, 11. Canada, 12. Kenya

1984: 1. Pakistan, 2. W. Germany, 3. Great Britain, 4. Australia, 5. India, 6. Netherlands, 7. New Zealand, 8. Spain, 9. Kenya, 10. Malaysia, 11. United States

1980: 1. India, 2. Spain, 3. Soviet Union, 4. Poland, 5. Cuba, 6. Tanzania

1976: 1. New Zealand, 2. Australia, 3. Pakistan, 4. Netherlands, 5. W. Germany, 6. Spain, 7. India, 8. Malaysia, 9. Belgium, 10. Canada, 11. Argentina

1972: 1. W. Germany, 2. Pakistan, 3. India, 4. Netherlands 5. Australia, 6. Great Britain, 7. Spain, 8. Malaysia, 9. New Zealand, 10. Belgium, 11. Poland, 12. France, 13. Kenya, 14. Argentina, 15. Uganda, 16. Mexico

1968: 1. Pakistan, 2. Australia, 3. India, 4. W. Germany, 5. Netherlands, 6. Spain, 7. New Zealand, 8. Kenya, 9. Belgium, 10. France, 11. E. Germany, 12. Great Britain, 12. Japan, 14. Argentina, 15. Malaysia, 16. Mexico

1964: 1. India, 2. Pakistan, 3. Australia, 4. Spain, 5. E. Germany, 6. Kenya

1960: 1. Pakistan, 2. India, 3. Spain, 4. Great Britain, 5. New Zealand, 6. Australia, 7. W. Germany, 8. Kenya, 9. Netherlands 10. France, 11. Belgium, 12. Poland, 13. Italy, 14. Japan, 15. Switzerland, 16. Denmark

1956: 1. India, 2. Pakistan, 3. W. Germany, 4. Great Britain, 5. Australia, 6. New Zealand, 7. Belgium, 8. Singapore, 9. Malaysia, 10. Kenya, 11. Afghanistan, 12. United States

1952: 1. India, 2. Netherlands, 3. Great Britain, 4. Pakistan, 5. W. Germany, 6. Poland, 7. Austria, 8. Switzerland

1948: 1. India, 2. Great Britain, 3. Netherlands, 4. Pakistan

1936: 1. India, 2. Germany, 3. Netherlands, 4. France, 5. Switzerland, 6. Afghanistan, 7. Japan, 8. Hungary, 9. Belgium, 10. Denmark, 11. United States

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1932: 1. India, 2. Japan, 3. United States

1928: 1. India, 2. Netherlands, 3. Germany, 4. Belgium

1920: 1. England, 2. Denmark, 3. Belgium, 4. France

1908: 1. England, 2. Ireland, 3. Wales, 4. Scotland 5. Germany, 6. France

All-time Men’s Olympic Medallists By Team

Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total 1st medal Last medal

1 India 8 1 2 11 1928 1980

2 Great Britain 3 2 4 9 1908 1988

3 Pakistan 3 3 2 8 1956 1992

4 Germany 3 1 3 7 1928 2012

5 Netherlands 2 4 3 9 1928 2012

6 Australia 1 3 5 9 1964 2012

7 W. Germany 1 2 0 3 1972 1988

8 New Zealand 1 0 0 1 1976 1976

9 Spain 0 3 1 4 1960 2008

10 Denmark 0 1 0 1 1920 1920

10 Japan 0 1 0 1 1932 1932

10 Korea 0 1 0 1 2000 2000

13 Belgium 0 0 1 1 1920 1920

13 Soviet Union 0 0 1 1 1980 1980

13 United States 0 0 1 1 1932 1932

TOTAL 22 22 23 67 1908 2012

Note: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part as four separate British teams at the 1908 Olympic Games, finishing first, second, third and third in exact order. As a result of that in these statistics the totals of Great Britain include these four separate medals.

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All-Time Men’s Olympic Finals

2012: Germany 2-1 Netherlands

2008: Germany 1-0 Spain

2004: Netherlands 1-2 Australia (aet)

2000: Korea 3-3 Netherlands (aps 4-5)

1996: Spain 1-3 Netherlands

1992: Germany 2-1 Australia

1988: Great Britain 3-1 West Germany

1984: Pakistan 2-1 West Germany (aet)

1980: India 4-3 Spain

1976: New Zealand 1-0 Australia

1972: West Germany 1-0 Pakistan

1968: Pakistan 2-1 Australia

1964: Pakistan 0-1 India

1960: Pakistan 1-0 India

1956: India 1-0 Pakistan

1952: India 6-1 Netherlands

1948: India 4-0 Great Britain

1936: India 8-1 Germany

1928: India 3-0 Netherlands

1908: Great Britain (ENG) 8-1 Great Britain (IRL)

Legend: aps - after penalty strokes. aet - after extra time

More information about the men’s teams and all hockey medallists can be found on the IOC database by clicking here.

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Women’s Olympic Hockey Medal Winners

Edition Venue Gold Silver Bronze

2012 London Netherlands (NED) Argentina (ARG) Great Britain (GBR)

2008 Beijing (CHN) Netherlands (NED) China (CHN) Argentina (ARG)

2004 Athens (GRE) Germany (GER) Netherlands (NED) Argentina (ARG)

2000 Sydney (AUS) Australia (AUS) Argentina (ARG) Netherlands (NED)

1996 Atlanta, GA (USA) Australia (AUS) Korea (KOR) Netherlands (NED)

1992 Barcelona (ESP) Spain (ESP) Germany (GER) Great Britain (GBR)

1988 Seoul (KOR) Australia (AUS) Korea (KOR) Netherlands (NED)

1984 Los Angeles, CA (USA) Netherlands (NED) West Germany (FRG) United States (USA)

1980 Moscow (URS) Zimbabwe (ZIM) Czechoslovakia (TCH) Soviet Union (URS)

All-time Women’s Olympic Placements

2012: 1. Netherlands, 2. Argentina, 3. Great Britain, 4. New Zealand, 5. Australia, 6. China, 7. Germany, 8. Korea, 9. Japan, 10. South Africa, 11. Belgium, 12. United States

2008: 1. Netherlands, 2. China, 3. Argentina, 4. Germany, 5. Australia, 6. Great Britain, 7. Spain, 8. United States, 9. Korea, 10. Japan, 11. South Africa, 12. New Zealand

2004: 1. Germany, 2. Netherlands, 3. Argentina, 4. China, 5. Australia, 6. New Zealand, 7. Korea, 8. Japan, 9. South Africa, 10. Spain

2000: 1. Australia, 2. Argentina, 3. Netherlands, 4. Spain, 5. China, 6. New Zealand, 7. Germany, 8. Great Britain, 9. Korea, 10. South Africa

1996: 1. Australia, 2. Korea, 3. Netherlands, 4. Great Britain, 5. United States, 6. Germany, 7. Argentina, 8. Spain

1992: 1. Spain, 2. Germany, 3. Great Britain, 4. Korea, 5. Australia, 6. Netherlands, 7. Canada, 8. New Zealand

1988: 1. Australia, 2. Korea, 3. Netherlands, 4. Great Britain, 5. West Germany, 6. Canada, 7. Argentina, 8. United States

1984: 1. Netherlands, 2. West Germany, 3. United States, 4. Australia, 5. Canada, 6. New Zealand

1980: 1. Zimbabwe, 2. Czechoslovakia, 3. Soviet Union, 4. India, 5. Austria, 6. Poland

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All Time Women’s Olympic Medallists By Team

All-Time Women’s Olympic Finals

2012: Netherlands 2-0 Argentina

2008: China 0-2 Netherlands

2004: Netherlands 1-2 Germany

2000: Argentina 1-3 Australia

1996: Australia 3-1 Korea

1992: Spain 2-1 Germany (aet)

1988: Australia 2-0 Korea

1984: No final – Round Robin

1980: No final – Round Robin

Legend: aps - after penalty strokes. aet - after extra time

More information about the women’s teams and all hockey medallists can be found on the IOC database by clicking here.

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Country Gold Silver Bronze Total 1st medal Last medal

Netherlands 3 1 3 7 1984 2012

Australia 3 0 0 3 1988 2000

Germany 1 1 0 2 1992 2004

Spain 1 0 0 1 1992 2004

Zimbabwe 1 0 0 1 1980 1980

Argentina 0 2 2 4 2000 2012

Korea 0 2 0 2 1988 1996

China 0 1 0 1 2008 2008

Czechoslovakia 0 1 0 1 1980 1980

W. Germany 0 1 0 1 1984 1984

Great Britain 0 0 2 2 1992 2012

Soviet Union 0 0 1 1 1980 1980

USA 0 0 1 1 1984 1984

TOTAL 9 9 9 27

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Players At an Olympic Games, a team is made up of a maximum 16 players, composed of 11 players on the field and up to five substitutes. Each team also has two “P” alternate athletes that can be drafted into the squad as permanent replacements for athletes who are forced to withdraw from the event for reasons such as injury. P alternate athletes can only become competing athletes as per the conditions outlined in the ‘IOC/Rio 2016 Late Athlete Replacement policy’. As well as the two P alternate athletes, the IOC is allowing teams to replace a goalkeeper, if they are injured and unable to continue playing. However, unlike the P alternate athletes, this player is unaccredited and must be a goalkeeper. The use of this facility is optional, with teams being able to use one of the P alternate athlete accreditations for a goalkeeper should they wish.

Substitutions There are no limits on the number of substitutions, apart from during a penalty corner or video referral when substitutions are not allowed.

Match periods For the 2014 and 2016 Champions Trophies, Hockey World League Round 2 2015, Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015, Hockey World League Final 2015, all Continental Qualifying Events for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games and the Games themselves, matches consist of four periods of 15 minutes.

Green and yellow cards If a player is shown a green card by the umpire, he or she has a temporary suspension lasting two minutes. This means the team plays with one fewer player during this period. The time penalty kicks in when the suspended player sits on a chair next to the technical table. After the two minutes are up, the player can return to the pitch. If a player is shown a yellow card, the suspension shall be a minimum of five minutes. The Assistant Technical Delegate on duty is responsible for timing the temporary suspension. Once the suspension is over, the player (or a substitute) can return to the pitch unless this occurs during the taking of a penalty corner, in which case the player cannot return until the penalty corner has been completed or another penalty corner is awarded.

Penalty corner countdown clock When a penalty corner is awarded, time is stopped for 40 seconds, except in the case of re-awards or penalty corners awarded after a Video Umpire referral. In the case of a re-awarded penalty corner time will be immediately stopped but the teams will not be allowed an additional 40 seconds. The umpire will re-start play at the earliest possible opportunity, ensuring that any delay is kept to a minimum. Matches are also stopped for 40 seconds after a goal is scored, except in the case of goals awarded after a Video Umpire Referral and a Penalty Stroke.

Rules and Competition Regulations

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Video umpire Each team is allowed one video umpire team referral per match. Team referrals are restricted to decisions within the 23 metre areas relating to the award (or non-award) of goals, penalty strokes and penalty corners. The on pitch umpires will ask the video umpire to study the relevant images and for his or her advice and recommendation. If the referral is successful, the team retains the right to make another team referral. If the referral is unsuccessful, the team loses the right to use the video umpire for the rest of the game. The umpires may also consult the video umpire, using their own umpire referral, if they have doubts about whether or not to award a goal.

If during the knock-out classification phase, a match ends in a draw a shoot-out competition will take place to determine the winner. In the shoot-out competition each team has the right to a team referral for the award (or non-award) of goals, penalty strokes and whether a shoot-out should be re-taken or not. Referrals remaining at the end of normal time are not carried over into the shoot-out competition. The umpires may still also consult the video umpire, using their own referral, if they have doubts about whether or not to award a goal.

Shoot-outs During the classification phase, a shoot-out competition will be used if the scores are equal at full time. Each team picks five players who will each take one shoot-out. If the teams are tied after a series of shoot-outs, the winner will be decided by sudden death, ie when one team has scored one more goal than the opposing team after an equal number of shoot-outs have been taken. The process will be repeated in series of five shoot-outs for each team until a winner has been decided.

Commenting on the format changes since the London 2012 Olympic Games, FIH President Leandro Negre said: “These decisions demonstrate our commitment to fan engagement. With the additional breaks, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy more replays and be more engaged with the event, whether in the stadium or watching from afar, while hockey commentators will be allowed more time to provide sport analysis between plays. In addition, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategize.”

More information on the current rules of hockey and tournament regulations can be found at the below links:

Rules of Hockey 2015: Click here

Amendment to Rule 13.2: Click here

Rio 2016 Tournament Regulations: Click here

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Rank Country CF Current Points

1 Australia OCE 2179

2 Netherlands EUR 1838

3 Germany EUR 1701

4 England EUR 1550

5 India ASI 1543

6 Belgium EUR 1475

7 Argentina PAN 1436

8 New Zealand OCE 1308

9 Korea ASI 1200

10 Pakistan ASI 1073

11 Spain EUR 1028

12 Ireland EUR 969

13 Malaysia ASI 950

14 South Africa AFR 854

15 Canada PAN 847

16 Japan ASI 740

17 France EUR 721

18 China ASI 595

19 Poland EUR 580

20 Russia EUR 531

FIH Hero World Rankings Top 35 - Men

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Rank Country CF Current Points

21 Egypt AFR 528

22 Austria EUR 508

23 Czech Republic EUR 417

24 Chile PAN 367

25 Ukraine EUR 356

26 Azerbaijan EUR 337

27 Scotland EUR 325

28 United States PAN 304

29 Switzerland EUR 295

30 Brazil PAN 273

31 Oman ASI 265

32 Bangladesh ASI 257

33 Italy EUR 246

34 Mexico PAN 239

35 Trinidad & Tobago PAN 236

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Rank Country CF Current Points

1 Netherlands EUR 2086

2 Argentina PAN 1988

3 Australia OCE 1873

4 New Zealand OCE 1628

5 USA PAN 1555

6 China ASI 1473

7 England EUR 1451

8 Korea ASI 1368

9 Germany EUR 1344

10 Japan ASI 1100

11 South Africa AFR 1039

12 Belgium EUR 968

13 India ASI 951

14 Spain EUR 864

15 Ireland EUR 669

16 Italy EUR 653

17 Scotland EUR 606

18 Canada PAN 528

19 Belarus EUR 496

20 Poland EUR 479

FIH Hero World Rankings Top 35 - Women

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Rank Country CF Current Points

21 Malaysia ASI 475

22 Chile PAN 451

23 Azerbaijan EUR 438

24 France EUR 403

25 Uruguay PAN 383

26 Czech Republic EUR 328

27 Austria EUR 313

28 Russia EUR 294

29 Ukraine EUR 272

30 Wales EUR 265

31 Ghana AFR 259

32 Mexico PAN 258

33 Kazakhstan ASI 251

34 Trinidad & Tobago PAN 243

35 Thailand ASI 233

Note: The complete men’s and women’s FIH World Rankings can be found here.

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The Hockey Revolution is the ten-year strategy for hockey that was launched by the FIH in 2014 and will set the direction of the sport leading to 2024, when the FIH will celebrate its centenary.

The Hockey Revolution has sparked a new era in hockey. With the ambition of making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation, it has been designed to unite the hockey community worldwide.

The strategy has one clear Ambition, four Big Goals and five Major Initiatives aimed at increasing attractiveness of hockey for fans. It has been designed to unite the hockey family at every level as it is only if we work together that this revolution will bring results.

For more information about the Hockey Revolution and the 5 Major Initiatives click here.

Hockey Revolution

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In April 2015, FIH announced that a new portfolio of events will be launched in 2019 which will completely change the landscape of international hockey.

Designed to provide a regular calendar of must see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year, a new annual global home and away league involving the world’s leading hockey nations will complement the Hockey World Cup and Olympic Games tournaments.

This system will see international teams play against opponents once at home and once away each year in this league. Following several months of competition, the top ranked teams will then qualify for a stand-alone grand finale tournament which will determine the winners of the competition. This will form part of a three tier system, identical for both the men’s and women’s game.

These have been developed around the three main objectives of the new event portfolio - to generate a massive change in TV and media coverage for hockey; create big, bold, packed and loud events and make a step change to increase future revenues.

For those nations not in the home and away league, the next tier of competition will remain similar to the current Hockey World League Round 1 and 2 events, played over two year cycles.

For more information about the new event portfolio click here.

The Future of International Hockey

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