American Amanda Golini fights with Germany’s Anne Schroder during the FIH Pro League Women’s match between United States and Germany at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on June 5, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

A step-by-step plan for the hockey competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Athletes to watch

Yibbi Jansen, Netherlands: With three-time gold medallist Lidewij Welten gone, the Dutch favourites are banking on the next generation of talent to help them chase back-to-back Olympic titles. Jansen leads that group, having scored 60 goals for the national team at the age of 24.

Harmanpreet Singh, India: The 28-year-old captain of the world’s sixth-best team is tasked with helping his country win another medal in hockey after winning bronze in Tokyo.

Amanda Golini, United States: The 29-year-old midfielder from Randolph, New Jersey, is a key player on a U.S. team that has no Olympic experience. She has played in other international tournaments and should be one of the leaders as co-captain.

Florent van Aubel, Belgium: The 32-year-old forward was the top scorer for Belgium in the Olympic qualifiers and is expected to be a crucial part of the offensive attack for the reigning champions.

Storylines to follow

Number 1 in the world on both sidesThe Netherlands is hoping to become the first country to win both the men’s and women’s competitions since 1980, when women’s hockey was included in the Olympics. Nearby Belgium poses the biggest threat to the men’s event after winning gold in a penalty shootout against Australia at the pandemic-postponed 2021 Tokyo Games. Traditionally strong Argentina and Germany are two of the top contenders for the women’s tournament.

The American women — who missed out on Tokyo while the men failed to qualify — are aiming for a hopeless bid to win their country’s third Olympic medal and first since bronze in 1984.

Hockey will take place in Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes, on the outskirts of the city, the only venue used when Paris hosted the Games in 1924.

Important data

Group play begins on July 27, including the U.S. women’s team playing the first of five Pool B matches against Argentina. The men’s quarterfinals are Aug. 4 and the women’s August 5, followed by the men’s semifinals on Aug. 6 and the women’s August 7. The men’s medal matches are Aug. 8, and the women’s tournament concludes on Aug. 9.

Reigning champions

• Women: The Netherlands
• Gentlemen: Belgium