October 12, 2002	Saturday	Sha'aban 5, 1423

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BUSAN, Oct 11: International Hockey Federation (FIH) said Friday it is exploring possibilities of organizing Pakistan-India series at a neutral venue in March-April next year in Europe or in the UAE.

“We are very concerned about lack of activity in Pakistan. The FIH is trying to revive (hockey) ties between Pakistan and India at a neutral venue,” said FIH president, Els Van Breda Vriesman.

Sporting ties between the two neighbouring countries are suspended due to border tensions. However, they have faced each other in international hockey tournaments.

“It is our desire that Pakistan and India re-start hockey ties and visit each other. But if it is not possible due to certain reasons then they could play a series in a third country,” she said.

FIH president said that a decision on holding the series between the two arch-rivals would be taken early next year.

Vriesman said it was unfortunate that Pakistan was deprived of international tournaments due to situation in the region but expressed hope things would return to normal in due course of time.

“It is a great loss for Pakistan hockey that international events are not being organised there. But FIH is helpless to motivate other countries to visit Pakistan as it is their respective governments which advise them on this issue,” she said.

When argued that things are normal in Pakistan for hockey since other sporting events are being hosted by Pakistan and participated by foreign countries, she said the member countries should send their teams if they feel things were normal.

FIH official said there was no proposal under consideration to compensate Pakistan financially after it suffered losses because of shifting of Champions Trophy and other future events.

“That chapter is closed as FIH is not in a position to support any member country financially,” she said.—APP