New Delhi, Dec 19: Asia Cup winner India will take on Belgium in their opening match of the 12 -nation Olympic pre-qualifier tournament to be played at Madrid, Spain from March 2 to 13. India are in Pool 'B' along with arch-rival Pakistan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada and Belgium.
India takes on Pakistan on March 6.
Pool 'A' comprises Sydney Olympic gold medallist Holland, former Olympic champion Britain, hosts Spain, Japan, South Africa and Poland.
Poland is the lowest ranking team in this draw as per the FIH draw. They will play a three-test series against Olympic hosts Greece in February
In case Greece wins the series, they will qualify for the Olympics and in that case first six teams will qualify from the Madrid tournament. However in case Greece fails to win the series against Poland, then seven teams would make it from the pre qualifiers and then it would be the first time in the Olympic hockey history that the hosts will be missing from the games.
Interestingly three strong Asian teams-India, Pakistan and Malaysia are clubbed in same Pool B, while Pool A has three formidable teams-defending champion Holland, former champion England and runners up Spain.
India last played on this ground in the four-nation tournament in 1992 prior to Bareclona Olympics.
India then finished runners up to Spain after drawing the last round robin league match against them. India lost the title because of a having one point less than Spain. Argentina and Egypt were the other two teams.
Interestingly both Argentina and Egypt have already qualified for the Athens Olympic by virtue of being continental winners. Bureau Report