Pakistan not interested to host Champions Trophy: Bajwa – Hockey News
After the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has withdrawn the Champions Trophy from India due to governance issues, it is a great chance for Asian countries to bid for the hosting rights of the tournament. Pakistan, however, is not interested to organise
the event due to various reasons.
The FIH has given time to Hockey India, the governing body of India to resolve the governance issues otherwise major tournaments could be withdrawn. The matter started when Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and HI reached an interim deal to jointly run the
sport’s affairs in the country. The world’s sport body expressed reservations over the agreement and asked the Hockey India to resolve the matters at the earliest in order to keep the hosting rights of the mega events.
After no action being taken by the Indian authorities, the FIH announced to shift the event from India and sought applications from other countries. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is not interested at all to try for getting the hosting rights of the
Champions Trophy.
PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa while speaking to the media over the issue said that the Federation did not have enough expenses to host the mega event. He said, “We have no intention of participating in this late bid for the Champions Trophy. The reality is that
even if we think about hosting the tournament, participating teams will continue to have security issues about playing in Pakistan in such a high profile event.”
The Secretary informed that the Federation is looking to organise a four-nation event in the country in order to move forward for the past glory. He continued, “That is the way forward for us and we are working on this plan and we are also trying to convince
the FIH (International Hockey Federation) to support us in this regard.”
To a query regarding decision of FIH to withdraw the event from India, the Secretary refused to comment on the issue. In his views, it was the internal matter of Indian Hockey and that he should not speak on the matter. He was of the view that they are mulling
to host a two-nation series with India at a neutral arena.
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