Malaysia withdraw invitation

New Delhi, Jan 8: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), unhappy at their Indian counterpart's decision to field a `Development Team' for th...

New Delhi, Jan 8: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), unhappy at their Indian counterpart’s decision to field a `Development Team’ for the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, have withdrawn invitation to the defending champions according to sources. The MHF secretary S Satgunam has instead invited South Korea and the latter have accepted the invitation, agreeing to send their National squad.

The Indian decision to field their `development team’ was made after the itinerary for the India-Pakistan Test series was decided upon when Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary general K Jyothikumaran visited Pakistan last month. The eight-Test Indo-Pak series also starts on February 28 with India visiting Pakistan for the first four matches.

The clash in dates forced the IHF to reverse its earlier decision to send its National squad, thereby upsetting the Malaysians. The MHF standing committee called for an emergency meeting to tackle the India issue and decided to invite South Korea — earlier in the reserve list — in place of India.

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The Malaysians have sent the revised fixture to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), and await ratification before officially releasing it.With Pakistan refusing to play after March due to their preparations for the World Cup in May, there was no option but to accept the dates suggested by the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Malaysia’s decision could affect hockey relations between the two Federations, which had been perceived to have been very close after the two Asian countries were accused by Canada of playing a `fixed’ match in the Olympics qualifiers at Barcelona in 1996. Malaysia then, had held India in their last league match to qualify for the Atlanta Games, knocking out Canada in the process.

The Indians lifted the Cup under Pargat Singh in 1995.

The tournament, which is starting on February 28 will also see Germany, Australia, England and New Zealand.