For such a small country the Dutch always punch above their weight in the sporting arena, and the Olympics at Rio in 2016 will be no exception. Here is a guide on the top medal hopes from Holland in the sports with a ball! 

Read the Dutch version

1) Women’s Field Hockey

Holland are the country they all try to beat on the women’s side. The Oranje are trying to become the first nation to win three consecutive field hockey gold medals after winning in Beijing and London, the nation expects! They come into the Olympics in Rio as the top ranked nation in the world once again. They boast some of the finest players of this generation, Maartje Paumen has trophies and experience galore, Lidewij Welten is reigning world player of the year and Ellen Hoog won the award in 2014. 

 

2) Men’s Beach Volleyball

Robert Meeuwsen and Alexander Brouwer are a hugely experienced pairing. The Dutch stars won the 2013 World Championships in Poland and will be hoping for a long run in the tournament on the world famous sand of the Copacabana. They have been working together for over five years now and will be hoping to land their first Olympic medal.

 

3) Men’s Field Hockey

The Dutch have a proud history of being one of the major players in the hockey world. The country have won medals at five of the last seven Olympic games, including two Golds in 1996 and 2000, as well as a Silver last time out in London 2012. They will be confident of repeating this fine run with the star line up that they are taking to Brazil. They boast star player, three-time Dutch player of the year and experienced captain Robert van der Horst,  ‘Mr Backhand’ himself Robbert Kemperman and skillful goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann.

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