New Indian Express: FIH Confirms Removal of Classifications

CHENNAI: The worst kept secret in hockey is out, after the world’s governing body for the sport confirmed they would be doing away with classification matches at this year’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The tournament calendar, which was released on Wednesday, has no mention of them. Also, FIH will be adding another layer of knockout matches — quarterfinals — a first for the sport at the Olympics.

The Indian men, who begin their campaign against Ireland on August 6, will be the most likely beneficiaries of a quarterfinal stage, an idea that has been in the pipeline for a long time. Earlier, they would have needed to beat one of Germany or Netherlands to secure a place in the last four stage. Now, it’s possible to lose to all superior-ranked nations in their group — Germany, Netherlands and Argentina — and still be in with a chance of getting among the medals.

This development was welcomed by former international Adam Sinclair. “This definitely gives India a chance to qualify for the quarters,” he said. “They’ve been in good form recently, but need to start well as that will give them the confidence to do well later on in the tournament.”

Having finished dead last at the previous Olympics in London in 2012, the Indian men will target a better showing in Rio. The women, meanwhile, have qualified for the Games after a gap of 36 years, and a good showing will only be a confidence boost.

India’s fixtures

Men: Aug 6: vs Ireland; Aug 8: vs Germany; Aug 9: Argentina; August 11: vs Holland; August 12: vs Canada.

Women: Aug 7: vs Japan; Aug 8: Britain; Aug 10: vs Australia; Aug 11: vs USA; Aug 13: Argentina.

Quarterfinals: Aug 14 (men); Aug 15 (women).

Semifinals. Aug 16 (men), Aug 17 (women).

Final and bronze-medal match: Aug 18 (men); Aug 19 (women).