WELLINGTON, Oct 13: New Zealand hockey boss Ramesh Patel is sticking to his guns over national men's team's participation in Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite Australia waving a white flag because of security concerns.

A bomb blast in Lahore city, at the weekend was the last straw for Australia. But rather than follow big brother's lead, New Zealand is standing firm. Patel said bomb attack that claimed lives of four people was "concerning", but still believed New Zealand could take their place in the Dec 4-12 tournament.

"At this stage we're still going but if we get advice that concerns us we'll reconsider," he said. "And if we get an inkling from players that they are having second thoughts about going then we'll have to review it again.

"But as things stand I think any decision to call things off would be a collective one between the six countries and the FIH (international governing body)." Patel was relaxed at Australia's response.

They have been replaced at the tournament, which is supposed to feature top six teams in the world, by seventh-ranked India. Besides Pakistan, the other countries competing are Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

"I don't think they (Australia) have made their decision lightly and neither have we," he said. One of New Zealand's success stories at Athens Olympics, midfielder Mitesh Patel, said he was a "bit nervous".

"Some players might review whether they put their name forward now but I guess no one will make a decision till after we've been briefed, probably this weekend (at national league playoffs in Auckland)," Patel said.

"We've all been looking forward to this, it's a tournament we haven't been to for two decades, but if it's not safe." No doubt New Zealand cricket tour to Pakistan in May 2002 will be fresh in minds of hockey team.

On that occasion cricketers were forced to flee Karachi after a bomb went off outside their hotel, killing 14 people. Australia's decision to withdraw because of security concerns has been predictably slammed as "baseless" by Pakistan hockey officials.

Hockey Australia responded by saying it had no choice but to withdraw. "The advice for all Australians to defer travel to Pakistan leaves us with no choice but to withdraw," Hockey Australia said.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, but was made with absolute due regard to our responsibilities to Australian team members and international hockey community."

Australian captain Brent Livermore, who is in Wellington playing for national league side, said he was not surprised by the decision. "It's very disappointing but it was on the cards," he said.

"We haven't really been involved in the decision and to be fair most of us aren't up to speed with what's been happening but we trust appropriate authorities to make right decision.

"The players will be sad, though. All guys love going to Pakistan, they treat you like royalty over there and atmosphere is best in the world." Pakistan was originally to host the event in 2001 but security fears in wake of Sept 11 terrorist attacks in the United States forced international body to relocate the tournament to the Netherlands. -PPI