Sport - Hockey

India drawn in Pool B

CHENNAI: India is drawn in Pool B in the 10-nation Asian hockey championship for men to be held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium from September 1 to 9.

The significance of this event lies in the fact that the FIH has accorded it the status of a world ranking event.

India, currently, enjoys a rating of No. 8.

With Pakistan opting out because of its commitments in other tournaments, the focus will be on Korea, the Asian Games champion and a semifinalist in the last World Cup at Monchengladbach.

China will be other team that will be watched keenly.

The Chinese shocked India and Pakistan in the Doha Asian Games and went on to win a silver against Korea.

Brian Fernandez of Malaysia has been named the as the Tournament Director while H.S. Dhillon of Hong Kong will be the Umpires Manager.

A few matches will also be played at the YMCA College ground.

The Pools: A: Korea, Malaysia, China, Singapore and Sri Lanka; B: India, Japan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China) and Thailand. — Hockey Correspondent