KARACHI: Pakistan is among the eight nations competing for 35th edition of Men's Hockey Champions Trophy being staged in India, from December 13 to 21, International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced.

The tournament will be staged biannually from there onward with the Hockey World League returning to its original format which was changed after its inauguration in 1978.

Pakistan had the honour of launching and pioneering the Champions Trophy with the inaugural edition held at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in 1978. The hosts ended up winning the title as well.

Apart from India, the host nation, the top five finishers from the tournament's previous edition and the winner of the 2012 Champions Challenge-I qualified to feature in the champions trophy automatically. Pakistan won bronze in the last edition, and hence qualified automatically.

The remaining spots, were nominated by the FIH Executive Board, making a total of eight competing teams.

Teams taking part in the event include defending champion Australia, runner-up Netherlands, Pakistan, Belgium, Argentina, England and Germany.

Pakistan is also likely to take part in Olympic Test Hockey Tournament which will be held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) from November 19 to 26, 2015. FIH will nominate the teams for the event.