Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Learn Olympic Qualification Path
The pathway for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics will take place at the Oceania Cup – Olympic Qualifier in Hobart from October 5-9.
With both teams competing against New Zealand and Fiji at the Oceania Cup, they must finish in the top two to receive automatic qualification for the London Olympics.
The Oceania Cup – Olympic Qualifier is a rare occasion other than an Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games where both Australia’s men’s and women’s teams will compete in the one tournament.
The event will be the first time since 1995 that the Hockeyroos have competed in Tasmania.
While for the Kookaburras it will form an important stepping stone towards their Olympic campaign, with several senior players who have been sidelined with long term injuries a chance to return to the Kookaburras line up at this tournament.
The Kookaburras currently hold top ranking in the men’s international hockey standings, ahead of New Zealand (7th) and Fiji (72nd).
The Hockeyroos are ranked seventh in the world currently in women’s international standings, with new Zealand one place ahead in sixth and Fiji 60th.
– Hockey Australia