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Pakistan failed to secure a berth for next year's Olympic Games in the men's hockey event after a crushing 1-6 defeat against Netherlands in the second qualifier. The Dutch, who were held to a surprise 4-4 draw on Saturday, produced a devastating display on Sunday to win 10-5 on aggregate.

While the Indian men’s hockey team is preparing for their Olympic qualifiers against Russia on November 1 and 2, vice-captain SV Sunil has said that the team will keep a close eye on the qualifying matches which begin this weekend. Pakistan will take on the Netherlands while Spain hosts France.

Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary general - Asif Bajwa - is hopeful that the animosity between India and Pakistan hockey bodies will see an end soon. The last time India played a bilateral hockey series against Pakistan was back in 2006 and have only met at international tournaments since then.

In a recent development, the India’s men’s hockey side would join the 2020 FIH Pro League after the the International Hockey Federation (FIH) stated it on Tuesday. This happened after Hockey India (HI) said yes to fill the vacant slot left vacant by Pakistan's withdrawal from the league.