Sport

Black Sticks qualify for Rio 2016

11:35 am on 23 July 2015

The International Hockey Federation has confirmed the New Zealand women's team's place in next year's Rio Olympics.

The Black Sticks' Gemma Flynn and Anita Punt. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Black Sticks finished one place out of an automatic qualifying spot at the recent World League tournament in Belgium and because of their high finish they were expected to gain qualification.

The FIH confirmed that on Thursday along with Argentina, who finished in a similar position in the other World League tournament.

Eight of the 12 places in the men's Olympic tournament have also been confirmed with the New Zealand men needing to beat Australia in the Oceania Cup in Stratford in October to gain a place.