Sport - Hockey   

India should play more matches in Europe

By S. Thyagarajan

Chennai Dec. 24. Persistant reports in the Pakistani media of an impending hockey series with India in a neutral venue do not correspond with the thinking of the officials here. In fact, there is a note of surprise that everything is being projected as though an agreement on the issue has been reached. Some even go to the extent of indicating that the series would be finalised during the Asian Hockey Federation Council meeting at Kuala Lumpur, but it is authoritatively stated that there was no dialogue on the issue between the delegations.

It is true there has been talk of reviving the India-Pakistan series in a neutral venue if it is not possible to be played on either side of the border. But how far is this feasible in a venue like Dubai or Abu Dhabi is being debated. Meanwhile, reports suggested that Singapore was keen to host such a series if Paksitan and India had agreed. Even Malaysia is said to be prepared for it. "But there is nothing in black and white from any of them,'' Mr. K.Jothikumaran, Secretary, said after returning from the AHF meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources in the Indian Hockey Federation wonder whether the time is appropriate to revive the series in a neutral country. So many loopholes are to be tied, if that were to become a reality, starting from financial arrangements to addressing, more importantly, security concerns. It is not easy to reach a consensus on these issues with a third country, whatever be the anxiety of the authorities in Pakistan to engaging India in a series of matches highlighting the benefit for both.

But what complicates the issue are the turn of events at Perth during the FIH Congress early this month, where Pakistan and South Korea ensured victories for themselves for a place in the Executive Board, leaving the Indian candidate, Mr. K.P.S.Gill defeated. With the Asian Hockey Federation helpless to avoiding a three-member contest for the EB from the same region, the reverse for the third candidate was certain.

Pakistan apparently insisted that the Executive Board seat was its right because of it was being vacated by Brig. M.H.Atif, a veteran enjoying enormous influence in the FIH, and should automatically go to the current PHF Secretary, Brig.Mussrathullah Khan. The Koreans argued as a sitting member, Bark Jae Shin should not be disturbed for one more term. The reluctance of the AHF to allot the nominated seat for Mr. Gill in preference to Mr. M.Ueda of Japan again added to the discomfiture of the Indian officials, who feel there is a clear lack of co-ordination and common thinking among the Asian candidates when it came to securing positions in the FIH. And, unfortunately, so far, India has been invariably at the receiving end despite all its hockey heritage and being classified as a major force. There are enough factors suggesting that minor elements with powerful backing by vested interests grouping together and thwarting even legitimate Indian claims.

However, the efforts to isolate India cannot be cited as reasons for the officials not exactly being seen as keen on a quick resurrection of the Test series in a neutral country.

The IHF really wonders why there should be a series of matches when India is programmed already to play no less than five matches with Pakistan in the coming year. India will play Pakistan at the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy in March, then in the twin tournaments at Sydney and Perth in May, again at the Champions Trophy in Amstelveen in August and in the Asia Cup, which is now reality in Malaysia next year. In these circumstances, India is well advised to go slow on increasing the number of matches with Pakistan in 2003.

On the negative side, an India-Pakistan encounter in hockey raises a lot of tension for the teams and a defeat demoralises both. In the current mood, especially after the two wins in three meetings last year, the Indian thinking about the necessity to forcing the pace to a queer pitch now appears to be wise.

If Asian hockey is to elevate itself to a new realm of excellence as Pakistan desires, the best thing for it now is to engage South Korea, arguably the toughest team with the best credentials in the continent and its co-partner in the Executive Board, for a Test series and promote the sport. For India, competition in Europe or Australia will be far more beneficial than the tension filled and bitter contests with Pakistan even in a neutral country.

Meanwhile, Mr. K.P.S.Gill, as chairman of the management committee is more keen to have All-Star Asian team play matches within the continent and in Europe. The new set in the AHF is only keen to promote this idea.

Mrs.Vidya Stokes, President, Indian Hockey Confederation was elected one of the Vice-Presidents of the Asian Hockey Federation unopposed at Kuala Lumpur.

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