India will meet Russia in their opening league fixture in the men’s Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in Santiago, Chile, from March 1 to 9, according to the revised schedule released on Sunday.

Russia replaces Bangladesh who withdrew from the tournament for reasons yet to be specified. Austria, Chile, Great Britain and Mexico complete the six-team line-up from which the tournament winner will qualify for the Bejing Olympics to be held in August this year.

The Indian team is undergoing a training-cum-competition programme in Australia. India won two games against West Australian side Thundersticks, 6-1 and 3-0 and lost against them 4-2. India also defeated China 3-1.

Revised Olympic qualifiers schedule in Chile: March 1: Great Britain vs Mexico, India vs Russia, Chile vs Austria.

March 2: Great Britain vs Russia, India vs Austria, Chile vs Mexico. March 3: Rest Day. March 4: India vs Mexico, Austria vs Russia, Chile vs Great Britain. March 5: Rest Day. March 6: India vs Great Britain, Austria vs Mexico, Chile vs Russia. March 7: Rest day. March 8: Great Britain vs Austria, Russia vs Mexico, India vs Chile. March 9: 5th-6th positions match, 3rd-4th positions match, Final.

NZ qualify

New Zealand came from behind to win the Olympic field hockey qualifying tournament here on Sunday, sinking Argentina 3-2 with a golden goal, adds AP from Auckland. The win gurantees New Zealand a berth in Beijing.

Argentina will now miss the Olympics for the first time in 24 years. Argentina were rewarded in the 24th minute when Mati Vila played a flat ball from a penalty corner for his brother Lucas to deflect into the goal. New Zealand drew level with a David Kosoof goal in the 49th minute, Argentina bounced back immediately with Mati Vila scoring from a penalty corner.

Hayden Shaw equalised for Kiwis. New Zealand won a penalty corner with less than two minutes remaining. The Argentinians easily deflected the shot but the ball rolled across to Brad Shaw who slotted the goal to win the match.