Saturday, May 31, 2008, Jamadi-ul-Awwal 24, 1429    

Pak clash GB in Beijing Olympics opening game

Karachi—Three-time former Champion Pakistan will take on Great Britain (GB) in their opening group “B” match in the Beijing Olympics on August 11, Federation International de Hockey (FIH) announced on Friday.

The organizing committee of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the FIH released the match schedule for the hockey tournament.

The first day of competition will be August 10 when the 12 women’s participating teams will enter the pitch in Beijing, China. Japan and New Zealand have the honour to open the Olympic Hockey Tournament.

The 12 teams participating in the men’s tournament will start their campaign for the Gold Medal on August 11. The first men’s match will be the encounter between Germany and China.

The preliminary round will come to a conclusion on August 18 (women) and August 19 (men).

The women’s semifinals are scheduled on 20 August 20 while the men’s semifinals will be played on August 21 . The finals will take place on August 22 (women) and August 23 (men).

Pakistan is draw in tough pool “B” with defending champion Australia, Netherlands, Great Britain, South Africa.

Pool “A” got World Champion Germany, Spain, Korea, New Zealand, Belgium and hosts China. Following is Pakistan programme in Olympics hockey.

Aug. 11 v Great Britain Aug. 13 v Canada Aug. 15 v Australia Aug. 17 v South Africa Aug. 19 v Netherlands Aug. 21 semifinals Aug. 23 final—APP