The men's team of Italy is the last team to enter the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers. The European formation will participate in the qualification tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Kakamigahara, Japan from 5 until 13 April 2008. Italy, replacing Czech Republic, will meet World Champion Germany, host Japan, Malaysia, Poland and Switzerland. Only the winner will earn a ticket for the Olympic Games.

Furthermore, the FIH released the match schedules for three WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers. Match schedules for five of the six WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers are confirmed now. Please click below for these match schedules:

WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier, Men, North Shore City, Auckland (NZL), 2-10 February 2008

WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier, Men, Santiago (CHI), 1-9 March 2008

WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier, Men, Kakamigahara, Gifu (JPN), 5-13 April 2008

WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier, Women, Kazan (RUS), 19-27 April 2008

WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier, Women, Victoria B.C. (CAN), 26 April-4 May 2008