Hopes alive for World Hockey Series as Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation merge
The embattled World Hockey Series (WHS) once again received green signals as the two rival hockey running bodies, Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), have decided to work together until the end of the next year. Almost 176 including 40
local hockey athletes will participate in the series.
Narendra Batra, the Secretary of HI, told that the event will be conducted as was planned while they are also thinking to organise another league of the same kind at this time. International Hockey Federation (FIH), the worldwide body of the hockey, is still
awaiting any detailed information about the event and will issue its statement after the official confirmation from the concerned Indian body.
Three of Pakistan’s players, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and Muhammad Waseem looked pretty hopeful to participate in the WHS after the merger of the two hockey running bodies in the neighbouring country. The players had initially been approached by the IHF,
the initial organising body of the event.
“It’s a good concept to bring hockey back into the limelight. But we are still waiting for the FIH to make a final decision. I never intended to disobey FIH regulations and I will only take part if the Pakistan Hockey federation (PHF) allows me,” Rehan Butt,
the veteran striker of the national team stated his views about the World Hockey Series (WHS).
Butt also stated that there might be a clash between the preparations for the 2012 London Olympics and the WHS. However, he seemed confident that something will be worked out amongst the organisers.
“This event is scheduled after the Champions Trophy therefore I’m just concentrating on staying fit for the Olympics and would think about the WHS later,” he further explained about his participation in the WHS.
Meanwhile, Qasim Zia, President of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stated that the federation will allow the players to play in the WHS if the FIH approved it. Only time will tell to see how the merger will affect the WHS.
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