Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010356191500.htm

Sport - Hockey

Pakistan says no to India tour

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government denied permission on Friday for its men’s field hockey team to play in a four-nation tournament in India next month due to security concerns.

Pakistan was due to compete with Germany, the Netherlands and India from Feb. 1-9 in Chandigarh.

“We feel it will not be safe for our players to play in India and that’s why we have not given permission to Pakistan Hockey Federation to compete in a four-nation tournament,” said sports minister Aftab Jilani.

Not right time

“The time is not right to allow our hockey team players to go to India, ” added Mr. Jilani.

“When the situation normalises between the two countries only then we can see whether to send our sports teams to India or not,” said Mr. Jilani.

NZ as replacement?

Meanwhile, according to media reports, New Zealand has accepted India’s invitation to replace Pakistan.

“We were keen on getting a good replacement for Pakistan, and New Zealand will make the competition even tougher,” said tournament organiser Pargat Singh. — Agencies