HOCKEY:IRELAND MEN'S Olympic hopes received a huge boost yesterday afternoon as the International Hockey Federation confirmed Dublin as a host city for one of the three qualifying tournaments for London 2012.

Paul Revington’s side were initially anticipated to be heading to Japan by the Irish Hockey Association, but when Belgium stunned Spain in August’s European championships, it had a knock-on effect of requiring a new qualifier host.

And Ireland – off the back of last summer’s successful Champion’s Challenge I hosting – were approached to fill the void.

They face a tough but manageable six-team pool, though they will have to oust world number six side Korea for the one available places at the Olympics. Ireland do have a psychological boost, having beaten the Asian side 5-1 last summer in Paris. The tournament runs from March 11th to 18th.

The Ireland women’s team were spared an expensive trip to Asia as they were drawn to play in Beerschot in Belgium, with the tournament starting on March 17th.