There had been a doubt whether the Games would retain its status as a qualifying event following its postponement last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has now ended any doubts.

"Of course, there was a time we were thinking of having another tournament as Olympic qualifiers in case China is not able to host the Asian Games," Ikram said.

"Thankfully, there won’t be a need to hold a separate tournament to act as hockey qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"There is no problem regarding Asian Games serving as a qualifier of the 2024 Paris Olympics."

There is due to be 12 countries competing in both the men and women’s tournaments at Hangzhou 2022, scheduled to take place between September 23 and October 8.

At the last Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang five years ago, Japan won the men’s gold medal by beating Malaysia in the final following a penalty shootout.

The women’s gold medal was also won by Japan, who beat India 2-1 in the final.

With Tokyo hosting the Olympics, Japan had already been invited as hosts, which meant there were extra places available in the FIH qualifying tournament.

It will definitely be winner-takes-all at Hangzhou 2022, though, when the event is held at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Field Hockey Field.

Leading contenders in the men’s tournament will include Japan, the 2014 Asian Games gold medallists India, eight-time champions Pakistan and South Korea, the four-time winners.

In the women’s event, Japan will again be among the leading candidates for victory, but will face a challenge from the hosts China, winners of the gold medal at three consecutive Asian Games, including in Guangzhou 2010, and four-time champions South Korea.

India, meanwhile, will be hoping to secure a gold medal for the first time since New Delhi 1982, the year that women’s hockey made its debut on the programme.

A total of 12 countries will compete in both the men and women’s Olympic tournaments at Paris 2024.

France qualifies automatically as hosts while the five continental champions, including Asia, will secure direct qualification.

For the remaining six places, the FIH will conduct two Olympic qualification tournaments that will consist of eight teams each.

The qualification tournament is due to take place in early 2024.

The number of participants from each continent will be determined by continental quotas that will be based on the FIH world rankings in January 2023.