The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : PHF shocked over FIH decisions

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Friday, Sep 07, 2007
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PHF shocked over FIH decisions

Karachi: The Pakistan Hockey Federation has expressed disappointment and shock over the FIH decision to invite bids from India and Malaysia to host this year’s Champions Trophy, which is likely to be shifted from Lahore due to security reasons. PHF secretary Khalid Mahmood told PTI that he was also disturbed by reports that South Korea had followed Olympic champion Australia in pulling out of the tournament, scheduled for December 1-9.

The FIH said on Wednesday that it had invited bids from Malaysia and India to host the event instead.

Mahmood said the PHF understood that the FIH would not take any decision on shifting the Champions Trophy until September 15. “That was the assurance given to us. We are disappointed and shocked at this development though the FIH has not made any official intimation to us as yet,” he said.

Mahmood said reports about Korea were disturbing and accused Australia of leading a campaign to have the event shifted from Lahore.

“The Koreans had reservations about the security but we had sent our officials to their embassy and we assured them that the tournament would be held without any incident.

Venting his ire against Hockey Australia, Mahmood said, “the Australian ‘A’ cricket team played in Lahore on Thursday, so it seems strange that their hockey team have security concerns about playing in the same city.” — PTI

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