ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 (DNA) – The 2018 Champions Trophy hockey competition for men will start with clash between traditional rivals India and Pakistan.

The international hockey federation (FIH) tournament will be held in Breda, the Netherlands, from June 23-July 1, 2018.

Six of the top men’s hockey-playing nations will compete in the 2018 Champions Trophy.

In opening day’s action, hosts and European champions the Netherlands will take on 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina; reigning Hockey World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy title holders Australia play Rio Olympic silver medallists Belgium while Asian champions India take on three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.

Hosts Netherlands, Argentina and Australia qualified for the 2018 Champions Trophy automatically whilst India, Pakistan and Belgium were invited by the FIH Executive Board.