As a result of the EuroHockey Nations Championships, only Netherlands achieved double qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as both the Dutch men’s and women’s team reached the podium in Manchester last weekend.

The EuroHockey Nations Championships was not just an event for the European Title. There was much more at stake for the participating countries as the medal winners would earn an Olympic ticket.

The event in Manchester was a tournament of surprises, especially in the men’s event. The newly crowned European Champion Netherlands, runner-up Spain and bronze medalist Belgium achieved Olympic Qualification. World Champion Germany and host England were also medal favorites, but as they dropped out of the medals, they have to earn Olympic berth though one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers. England (as the nominated UK home country) has qualified Great Britain for the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier.

France, Ireland and Czech Republic also get another chance at one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers, together with the top three of the EuroHockey Nations Trophy, to be played in Lisbon, Portugal from 9-16 September 2007.

The women’s teams of Germany, Netherlands and England reached the podium at the EuroHockey Nations Championships. England (as the nominated UK home country) has qualified Great Britain as 2008 Olympic Games participant.

Spain, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Italy and Ukraine will get another chance at one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers, together with the top three of the EuroHockey Nations Trophy, to be played in Siauliai, Lithuania from 2-9 September 2007.

The FIH World Rankings will be updated when the entire European Nations tournament cycle is finished mid September 2007.

Please click here for the teams qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games