September 5, 2003	Friday	Rajab 7, 1424

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

SINGAPORE, Sept 4: Singapore on Thursday offered to bridge the sporting gap between India and Pakistan saying it was willing to play host to a bilateral hockey series between the two Asian powerhouses.

“A match between India and Pakistan is always very popular and a great treat for sports fans,” Singapore Hockey Federation (SHF) President M. Lukshumayeh said.

The offer by SHF comes ahead of a meeting between Indian and Pakistan hockey officials here later this month to work out ways of reviving bilateral series between the arch-rivals.

He said Singapore was open to hosting either an Indo-Pak Test series or a friendly match.

“It is a good sign that both countries are considering to discuss possibilities to play a series. And for some reason if either of homelands could not be selected as a venue for these matches, then Singapore would be a neutral and familiar place for the teams,” he said.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 1999 though they have faced each other a number of times in multi-nation tournaments.

Lukshumayeh also said Singapore was willing to host Indian hockey team for training and practice matches ahead of Asia Cup tournament in Singapore later this month.

He said all preparations were in place for Indian team to get feel of astro-turf at Delta Stadium before going onto next-door Malaysia.

He said he was still awaiting confirmation from Indian organisers on their schedule.—PPI