International hockey stars headed to Darwin

The World Number 1 ranked Kookaburras will take on Rio Olympics gold medallists Argentina (world ranking two), Malaysia (12) and Japan (16) at the Darwin International Hockey open from 18-22 September.

The matches will be crucial preparation for Australia ahead of the 2018 World Cup in India in November, with the Kookaburras chasing a third consecutive title.

The tournament is part of a three year partnership between the NT Government and Hockey Australia, which will see Australia compete in Darwin for the third straight year.

In 2017, the Kookaburras played Pakistan in a four-match Test Series while the Hockeyroos faced New Zealand, Japan and India in a four-nations tournament in 2016.

Hockey Australia CEO, Matt Favier said the 2018 four nations tournament was arguably the best line-up of hockey talent to ever to visit the Northern Territory.

“We hope sports fans will relish the chance to see the world’s number one and two teams do battle in their own backyard in September, along with Malaysia and Japan," he said.

The Darwin International Hockey Open will be played at Marrara Hockey Centre.

Tickets for the Darwin International Hockey Open will go on sale soon. For more information visit www.hockey.org.au.

2018 Darwin International Hockey Open Fixtures (all fixtures in local time/ACST):

Tuesday 18 September 5pm- Argentina v Japan
Tuesday 18 September 7pm - Australia v Malaysia
Wednesday 19 September 5pm- Malaysia v Japan
Wednesday 19 September 7pm- Argentina v Australia
Friday 21 September 5pm - Malaysia v Argentina
Friday 21 September 7pm - Australia v Japan
Saturday 22 September 5pm - 3^rd Place Final
Saturday 22 September 7pm - 1^st Place Final