India start Olympic qualifiers vs Mexico

Mexico had replaced Egypt in the tournament proper as the latter had withdrawn due to financial constraints in competing in the qualifying event from March 1 to 9.

According to the draw released by the Indian Hockey Federation here, former Olympic champion India’s toughest match against England has been slated for March 6. The tournament winners will earn a berth for the Beijing Olympics. Each of the six teams in the fray will play five matches and the winner will be spotted on the last day of the tournament on March 9.

Playing the inaugural match against Mexico, India play Bangladesh on March 2. After a day’s rest on March 3, India clash with hosts Chile.

March 5 and 7 have also been declared rest days in the nine-day tournament after which India play their last tie against Austria. At the end of the single league phase, the top two finishers clash for the title and the berth for the Beijing Olympics.

March 1: India v Mexico, England v Bangladesh, Chile v Austria; March 2: India v Bangladesh, England v Austria, Mexico v Chile, March 4: Mexico v England, Austria v Bangladesh, Chile v India; March 6: Austria v Mexico, England v India, Bangladesh v Chile, March 8:India v Austria, Bangladesh v Mexico, Chile v England. March 9: Placing matches.