IT PAYS TO HAVE CONNECTIONS

The FIH today announced that Singapore will take the place of the United States at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in New Delhi, India from February 18-26.

Singapore, ranked #41 in the FIH World Ranking was contacted to join the six team men’s qualification group after the United States unexpectedly pulled out of the event.

“We were pleased that Singapore agreed on such short notice to take part in the Olympic Qualification event,” said FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather. “It will undoubtedly give its men’s national team valuable experience in a major international tournament.”

The tournament in Delhi will feature a six-team round robin format. Following the round robin, the teams ranked first and second will play for a berth to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The remaining four teams will play placement games for FIH World Ranking points.