Hosts Japan (World Ranking: 15) take on Australia, the top ranked nation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic men’s opener on July 25.
Top ranked women’s nation The Netherlands open against India (WR: 9) on the same day.
In the match schedule revealed by the Federation International de Hockey (FIH) on Tuesday, India’s men, in Pool A, take on New Zealand (WR: 9) in a tricky opener on the South Pitch.
An ordeal by fire awaits the fifth-ranked India men’s team the next day at in the shape of Australia.
After a day’s rest, India, winners of eight gold medals, take on Spain (WR:8) on July 28 on the South pitch.
Argentina (WR:4), the defending champions, lie in wait for India on August 30. India then wind up their pool engagements with a clash against hosts Japan, the Asian Games champions, on July 31.
The top four sides qualify for the quarterfinals scheduled for August 2. The semifinals are slated for August 4 and the gold medal match will be held on August 6 starting at 7pm.
The Indian women, after their daunting opening match against World champions and three-time Olympic champions The Netherlands in Pool A, play Germany (WR: 4) on July 27 on the South pitch.
Defending champions Great Britain (WR:5) are next with a 10am start on July 29. After that it’s Ireland (WR: 8) on July 31.
The Indian women complete their league engagements on August 1, playing South Africa (WR: 16) on the South pitch.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for August 3, semifinals on August 5 and the final on August 7.
India fixtures (IST):
Men: India vs NZ (6.30am); vs Australia (3pm); vs Spain (6.30am); vs Argentina (6am); vs Japan (3pm).
Women: India vs Netherlands (5.15pm); vs Germany (5.45pm); vs Great Britain (6.30am); vs Ireland (8.15am); vs South Africa (8.45am).