The Chinese men's field hockey national team is qualified to play at the Beijing Olympic Games as host, a FIH official confirmed on Friday during the 10th Chinese National Games.

Dennis Meredith, Events Manager and Secretary of FIH Events and Competitions, told Xinhua that "They are already automatically qualified to play in the home field of the Beijing Olympic Games."

According to FIH rules, national teams of the Olympic hosts have the automatic right to play in the Olympic hockey tournament of their home field. However, FIH verified the rule in 2004 "because Greece was the host, with its men's field hockey only ranking the 55th in the world to miss the requirement".

"Things are different in China," Meredith repeated, "China men's hockey is currently ranking around the 20th in the world and the fifth in Asia, which has reached the sufficient standard to have the automatic right to enter the Olympic Games."

Wang Tong, assistant secretary-general of the Chinese Field Hockey Association, said they had received this information from FIH officials but not received a written certification yet.

"The Chinese men's field hockey is working hard for a quick improvement and expects satisfactory results in the next three years," Wang said.

Meredith came to China to inspect the ground and facilities of the Wujin Field Hockey Stadium, which is to host the World Cup qualifying competition of the men's hockey next April.

After a full-inspection, he thought highly of the stadium, saying that "it is certainly one of the best stadiums in the world. They only have some small modifications to make."

Source: Xinhua