India, Pakistan placed in same pool in HWL Semi-Final

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in the same pool in the 2016-17 Men's FIH Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final to be held here next June.

According to the tournament schedule announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) here on Saturday, the pool clash between the two sub-continental rivals will take place on June 18.

The tournament, which is one of the qualifying events for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, will take place on June 15-25 at Lee Valley's Hockey and Tennis Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The event will feature 10 of the world's best men's hockey teams.

Six teams have already been confirmed so far, including hosts England, Rio Olympics gold medallists Argentina, reigning European champions Netherlands, Asian champions India, South Korea and Pakistan.

Another four teams will qualify from the Hockey World League Round 2 events to be held between January and April next year.

The encounter between India and Pakistan will be the first match of the day on June 18, the FIH said on its website.

India had vanquished their neighbours in the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy so Pakistan will be out for revenge in what is expected to be an action packed encounter.

Hosts England will take on Argentina in the next match of the day.

Composed of four rounds and played over two years, the Hockey World League gives even the smallest hockey playing nation the opportunity to compete against some of the powerhouses of the game.

--IANS

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