Men's Hockey Champions Trophy 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand -- Matches Schedule, Timings and Venues

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Men’s Hockey Champion Trophy 2011 is just 4 days away from kicking off in Auckland, New Zealand. The coveted tournament will start from December 3 and will last up to December 11.

Schedule of Men's Hockey Champions Trophy 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand (Click to enlarge)

Total eight teams, including Pakistan, are participating in this 33rd edition of the tournament; which was initially scheduled to be played in India but shifted to New Zealand due to some internal problems in Indian Hockey Federation. Owen Glenn, a business man from New Zealand, played an important role in bringing the event to his country.

Other teams in 8-nation tournament are Australia, Spain, Great Britain, Netherlands, South Korea, Germany and the hosts New Zealand. Teams are divided into two Pools and Pakistan is placed in Pool A along with favorites Australia, Spain and Great Britain. Two rounds of ‘robin round’ will be played before the finals. Pakistan will face Great Britain in their opening clash on December 3.

Pakistan’s 18-member hockey team left from Karachi to Auckland on Saturday (Nov. 26) from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport under the captaincy of Muhammad Imran, who is very confident, as well coach Khawaja Junaid, for a powerful show of men in green in the tournament.

This is Pakistan’s first appearance in Champions Trophy in last four years. The Pakistanis were unable to qualify for the last three editions of the elite hockey tournament and have only been able to make the cut for the 2011 event as wildcard entrants.

Currently being number eighth in the world rankings, Pakistan appear to have less than slim chances of winning a medal at the Champions Trophy; but the confidence of Pakistan team is high after winning the tri-nation series beating world number one Australia in the final. The third team in the series was India.

Defending champion and current World No. 1 Australia are the favorites for the crown with top teams like Germany and Netherlands also in contention. Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy title back in 1994.

Matches schedule of Round 1 of the Men’s Champions Trophy 2011 in Auckland is given on the top.


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