The eight times Olympic Champions India are now gearing up to face the Italian hockey team to kick start their Olympic qualifier campaign to be held at New Delhi from February 18-26, 2012. The schedule announced on Wednesday at the nation’s capital. The first clash would be at 4pm for the men and at 6pm for women, on the opening day. The women team will clash with Ukraine.  The tournament is a qualifier for the London Olympics 2012, with six spots to be gained. The winners of each of the six Olympic Qualification Tournaments will earn a berth in London.

The national game which had its glory in the past had lost a bit of its shine. But the Olympic record brings back hope into the fan. And many international teams participating in our country will add value, while bringing in crowds. The teams coach has defined his goals to be achieved and is working on them with dedication and determination. On the sidelines of preparations the coach said, ` The most important aspect would be to identify where Indian hockey stands at present, talk to the players and analyze where we actually are. There are lots of processes involved. I know that qualifying for the Olympics is important, but we have to think of the long term development.’

Men's schedule:
Feb 18: Canada vs USA (2pm), France vs Poland (4pm), India vs. Italy (8pm)
Feb 19: Canada vs. Poland (12pm), Italy vs. France (4pm), India vs. US (8pm)
Feb 21: Italy vs. Canada (12pm), Poland vs USA (4pm), France vs. India (8pm)
Feb 22: Poland vs. Italy (12pm), US vs France (4pm), Canada vs. India (8pm)
Feb 24: US vs Italy (2pm), France vs. Canada (4pm), India vs. Poland (8pm)
Feb 26: 5th vs. 6th (3pm), 3rd vs. 4th (3.30pm), 1st vs.2nd (8pm)
Women's schedule:
Feb 18: South Africa vs. Poland (10am), Italy vs. Canada (12pm), India vs. Ukraine (6pm)
Feb 19: Poland vs. Italy (10am), South Africa vs. Ukraine (2pm), India vs. Canada (6pm)
Feb 21: Canada vs. Ukraine (10am), Italy vs. South Africa (12pm), Poland vs India (6pm)
Feb 22: Ukraine vs. Italy (10am), Canada vs. Poland (2pm), India vs. South Africa (6pm)
Feb 24: South Africa vs. Canada (10am), Ukraine vs. Poland 912pm), Italy vs. India (6pm)
Feb 25: 5th vs. 6th (3pm), 3rd vs. 4th (5.30pm), 1st vs. 2nd (8pm)