Ireland's path to the Olympic Games has become clearer after the draw was made for the men’s and women’s qualifying tournaments in Spain in January.

Sixteen teams will compete in both events, divided into four groups of four at two separate venues, with the top three nations in each advancing to the 2024 Paris Games.

The men’s team – who won the EuroHockey Division Two title this year to advance to the Valencia event – will be in Pool A with Belgium, Japan and Ukraine. Spain, Korea, Austria and Egypt are in Pool B.

The top two in each pool advance to semi-finals, the finalists securing automatic qualifcation and the losing semi-finalists playing off for the last remaining spot.

Ireland are currently ranked 13th in the world, with world number two Belgium the big hitter in the group. Spain (8) and Korea (10) are also above them in the rankings.

The other men’s qualifier will be held in Oman, with Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Canada, Chile and China competing for the three qualification spots.

Ireland’s women’s team will also be based in Valencia, with games against Belgium, Korea and Ukraine to come in Pool A. Great Britain, Spain, Canada and Malaysia are in Pool B.

Like the men, Ireland are also currently ranked 13th in the world and booked their spot at the qualifiers thanks to a closing 1-1 draw with Italy in August’s EuroHockey Championships.

Belgium (4th) and Spain (8th) sit above them in the world rankings, and with England ranked seventh, the Great Britain side will also provide a formidable challenge.

India will host the other pool to feature the hosts, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, United States, Italy and Czech Republic.

Sean Dancer, coach of the women's team, told RTÉ Sport: "It is very cut-throat to make the Olympics, the top three teams out of the eight will qualify and there's two tournaments. If we were in Spain or India, both tournaments were going to be very challenging.

"We're happy going to Spain, I think there’s a couple of good things. Obviously the logistics are probably a little bit easier for us but also the opportunity there with the men as well, so we’re certainly hoping the Irish crowd get over there. Can we be the home away team? That’s be great."

He added all of their preparations have been leading to these games.

Dancer continued: "We've been building for the last 12 months.

"Twelve months ago we played the World Cup and we had a squad of about 22 and now we’re up to 30.

"I’m really happy with where we are getting to. We’ve tried to create competition within the group and now we have a squad of 30 and all available and pushing for selection.

"Yes that gives you headaches, but they’re certainly good headaches to have."

The qualifiers will be played between 13-21 January.