Picture Credit: Twitter
The Australian men and women's team defeated New Zealand at the 2023 Oceania Cup, securing their qualification to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, where they will join the hosts, France. This makes them the first team to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Both the men and women's teams overcame New Zealand to clinch a spot in qualifying. The men's team from Australia defeated New Zealand 3-1 in the opening game, while the women's squad triumphed convincingly with a scoreline of 3-0.
The Australian men's squad scored two victories, earned six points, and suffered one defeat. The women's squad on the other hand, earned seven points by winning two games and drawing one. The New Zealand men's and women's teams will now compete in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, giving them a second chance to secure Olympic qualification.
Jake Harvie of the Australian men’s team stated after securing the Olympic qualification said, “New Zealand made it a very competitive series, but we are very happy to have qualified for the Olympic Games. We have a lot of work to do before the games, but for now, we have to enjoy the moment and the fact that we get to send a team to the Olympics.”
Penny Squibb of the Australian women’s hockey in an interview post the side’s win added, “We play New Zealand quite often and know they are a tough opponent, so none of the three matches were easy. It is pretty special to qualify for the Olympics, and now we have to change our mindset towards that. But for the moment, we are going to enjoy this and celebrate with each other as a team.”
In total, 12 teams will compete in the men's and women's hockey competitions at the Olympic Games. France as hosts have earned direct qualification. Now that Australia has guaranteed their spot, there are 10 berths open. The winners of the remaining four continental competitions in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe will also automatically qualify for the upcoming Olympics.
Teams will get a second chance to qualify for one of the six remaining seats in the Olympic Games at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, which will take place in January 2024.
