Field hockey was a sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo which took place from 24 July to 6 August 2021 at the Oi Seaside Park. Twenty-four teams (twelve each for men and women) competed in the tournament.
It was originally scheduled to be held in 2020, but on 24 March 2020, the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each of the Continental Champions from five confederations received an automatic berth. Japan as the host nation qualified automatically. In addition, the remaining six nations were to be determined by an olympic qualification event. As Japan emerged as Asian champion in both men's and women's events, a seventh berth was made available in each qualification event. Although the qualification was unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The competition consisted of two stages; a group stage followed by a knockout stage.
Teams were divided into two groups of six nations, playing every team in their group once. Three points were awarded for a victory, one for a draw. The top four teams per group will qualify to the quarter-finals.
The competition consisted of two stages; a group stage followed by a knockout stage.
Teams were divided into two groups of six nations, playing every team in their group once. Three points are awarded for a victory, one for a draw. The top four teams per group will qualify for the quarter-finals.