Date:28/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/28/stories/2007112862482100.htm

Sport - Hockey

Eight Pakistan players for Premier League

Hockey Correspondent

Chennai: Eight players from Pakistan have confirmed participation in the Premier Hockey League set for launch in Chandigarh on December 15.

Apart from these players, who are regulars in the PHL since its inception, there are indications of a handful from Europe figuring in the event, the duration of which has been shortened to give enough time for the National team to prepare for the Olympics qualifier at Santiago in the first week of March.

A clear picture about foreign participants will emerge in the next few days.

The Spanish Coach, Maurits Hendriks, the Technical Director for PHL, is said to be making efforts to rope in the players.

A majority of the players will be in action in the Champions Trophy starting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Eight nations are in the fray for this prestigious event to be held from November 29 to December 9.

There is optimism that a substantial number of foreign players will definitely enhance the glamour of the PHL this time also.

Meanwhile, the IHF preparatory camp, now in progress at Bangalore, will conclude on December 5.

The campers will have a 10-day break before moving to Chandigarh for the PHL.