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Journalism of Courage
With the security situation in Pakistan having already scared off Australia and with Britain and Spain already near the exit gate of the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) chances of being able to hold the prestigious tournament is now rather bleak.
That situation, however, could turn out to be a boon for India. It’s not only that India might now get to play in the tournament, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) now wants the whole tournament transferred to India.
Australia were the first to pull out of the meet, and it was reported that Britain, who were to replace the Olympic champions, were also reluctant to send their team. The report further stated that there were chances of Spain pulling out as well from the meet.
“We are not thinking about participation, in fact we are thinking on a totally different line. We are thinking of bidding for the tournament ourselves,” said IHF secretary K Jothikumaran to The Indian Express.
He said that nothing substantial has taken place as yet, but IHF chief KPS Gill has considered the possibility and will approach the international body in a bid to host the event in India.
“Nothing final as of now, but if the situation remains the same in Pakistan we might request the FIH that it be held in India,” said KPS Gill.
With both the hockey stadiums in Delhi up for construction in the near future, the most likely venue for the meet would be Chennai. However, Gill stated that he was considering the Nehru Stadium in Gurgaon as a possible venue if the tournament is awarded to India.
“Chennai is already hosting the Asia Cup in September and we feel that a different venue should be considered.
“The stadium has had new floodlights installed and as far as the facilities are concerned it can be done once we get the tournament,” said Gill.
Khalid Mahmood, secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, stated yesterday that he had no fears that the tournament could be shifted from Lahore to some other place if more teams refused to play in Pakistan.
In another development Pakistan has confirmed their participation for the Asia Cup in India, from September 1 to 9.
“Yes they have confirmed their entry for the Asia Cup, before they had refused to play but will be sending a team after all,” said Gill.
India are in Pool B with Korea, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand, while Pool A consists of Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The groupings are based on its world rankings, according to the world body.
