Paris Olympics 2024: India placed in tough Pool B in men's hockey competition

India have been placed in a tough Pool B in the men’s hockey competition at this year’s Paris Olympics. Eight-time Olympic champions India have been clubbed with reigning champions Belgium, Australia, Rio Olympics gold medallists Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. India, the Asian Games champions and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists, are ranked third in the world behind Belgium and Netherlands. Pool A consists of Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, France and South Africa. The pools have been announced after the completion of FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers on Sunday. In the women’s competition, India failed to qualify after being denied by Germany in the semi-finals and then Japan in the playoff clash . It ended the women’s team’s run of two straight Olympics - in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Germany, USA and Japan booked their spots in the Paris Olympics from the qualifiers in Ranchi. Reigning Olympic champions Netherlands are placed in Pool A with Belgium Germany, Japan, China and hosts France, while Pool B comprises Australia, current silver medallist Argentina, Great Britain, Spain, USA and South Africa. The teams have been allocated respective pools based on their rankings as of 21 January. The top four teams from each pool in both men’s and women’s competitions will qualify for the quarterfinals. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 till August 11 and hockey competitions will start from July 27 and end on August 9.