Pakistan-India Champions Trophy incident in the past now: FIH
71
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief Kelly Fairweather has refused to play the role of negotiator as the war of words between Pakistan and India over the 2014 Champions incident intensifies.
Fairweather, who was in India for the auction of the Hockey India League (HIL), said the ‘matter was between the two boards’ and as far as the FIH was concerned, the fallout was ‘now in the past.’
“We don't intend to sit between them. What we will be doing is meeting with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, it's new leadership and hopefully they will have a new approach,” IBNLive quoted Fairweather as saying on the sidelines of the HIL auction which did not include Pakistani players.
Hockey India President Narinder Batra on Tuesday announced that the HIL would include no Pakistanis until the country's federation apologised for its players' behaviour after their semi-final win over India in the 2014 Champions Trophy.
After winning the game 4-3 in a pulsating encounter, several Pakistani players removed their shirts, danced in jubilation, and raised obscene gestures towards the crowd.
The action of the players caused an outrage in India and threatened its participation in the final against Australia. But Pakistan's coach and captain were quick to apologise for their side's behaviour which led to the suspension of two players from the final by the FIH.
And Fairweather said there nothing more to it as far as the governing body was concerned.
“That incident, as far as FIH is concerned, is in the past. We took what we believe was the appropriate action. You heard Dr. Batra's view on this. We are not going to comment any further because, as I said, it is a discussion between the two federations.”
The FIH chief, instead, urged the two former 'powerhouses' of hockey to improve the game in their respective countries.
“These are two powerhouses of our hockey, and they not playing the World Cup and Olympics is not good.”
“Our part as international federation is to make sure that Pakistan gets back into international hockey as a force.”
It must be mentioned here that on Wednesday newly-elected PHF Secretary Shahbaz Senior called upon the FIH to resolve the 'months old' issue and urged India to keep politics away from sports.
“If they have an issue with PHF they should have sent it in writing, but this kind of conduct is totally intolerable,” Shahbaz said.
“Sports are something in which players and athletes make friends all over and the country’s politics should be kept aside from this,” he added.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (71) Closed
Sep 17, 2015 03:39pm
Noo. That was real time reaction by Pakistani players and they shouldn't be regretted. This is not so uncommon in other sports including sledging in cricket. Indian media is creating a Hype as usual nothing else.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 03:45pm
seriously you will not become small or your reputation will not come down if you say sorry. saying sorry by a coach and by a team is different things. If india wanted your downfall then why did provided financial aid once?? think about it we have so much tournaments but never have any conflicts with anyone else. everyone wants india and pakistan to play. .i know many times indian players in cricket also do wrong, so they are banned and fined and most of the time they apologise .
A simple apology by players will only increase their reputation only.
hope you guys take it positively.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 03:51pm
This kind of Indian behavior in cricket and hockey is quite shameful and it shows that Indian cricket and hockey administrations are unable to keep politics out of sports on an international level. In Pakistan, we have our own issues with different sports managements but at least our politicians do not dictate them who should they play against? We all love to watch India and Pakistan play against each other but every time when there is a hope they create a new issue.....
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 03:54pm
India is a Big Country with a Small Heart!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:10pm
@gaurav - You should look at the past events and then comment. In the 80s, when Pakistani hockey team visited India, their bus was attacked and windows were broken, Did anyone apologize? When Pakistan cricket team visited India in the late 90s, the Calcutta pitch was dug up by Shiv Sehna. Did anyone apologize? You should understand that this cannot be a one way traffic. The real issue here is that in spite of hostile crowd, Pakistan beat India and that is something you are not able to digest. The rest is just a a noise.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:14pm
Politics should be kept aside but nobody should be allowed to misbehave in the ground.....Indians or Pakistanis.....
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:14pm
@Karachitte
No political party has demanded exclusion of Pakistan Players from IHL . It is their behaviour which is responsible.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:16pm
Pakistan always right.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:17pm
@gaurav oh stop it you. what has the personal apologies to do with it? they were punished and matter is closed now. stop making excuses for your narrow mindness
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:17pm
Pakistani players are not going to.play in the HIL anyhow even if they apologize and you can see that from the cricket. They are asking for an apology and if we apologize to them they will say due to political tension they cannot include Pakistani players. India is acting as a child and this too after a year.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:21pm
It is very frustrating to see the standard of pakistan sporting organisations. They have neither money nor brain to influence the international media.All indian hockey wants the assurance from pak hockey team that no such behaviour will happen towards public.If Indians do not want your players without apologising, why you seem so desperate? It is indias league.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:21pm
If any Pakistani thinks you will apologise and they will play, think again! Remember support for Big three in cricket in return for a cricket series? They went back on their words soon after. Let us not underestimate the hatred for us in India. They can go to any length to feel good.
Oh BTW, if someone was wondering Pakistani team already tendered apology (both written and verbal) after the incident. Apology for hurling insults by crowd on Pakistani players is never talked about which led to the incident at first place.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:22pm
Take it or leave it pakistan. Again, here as well, no third party will be entertained. Say sorry and earn a living.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:22pm
@gaurav Only after India apologises to all the Pakistani cricketers first invited by BCCI for the auction in IPL and then completely ignored under pressure from Indian govt. Agreed?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:24pm
It may be sad. but I feel this is the reaction from trade, transit, SAARC non cooperation. India want to put some pressure. Iran and Afghan want trade but Pakistan refuse. So all Pakistani neighbors are unhappy.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:24pm
@gaurav
Good spirit dear. Keep it up!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:29pm
Pakistan is not going to apologize. Thank you!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:29pm
@Naxalite I came to know that a lot of pakistani patients come to india for HEART treatment .
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:32pm
@ Pankaj..yeah ..and what about signing MOUs in cricket and then betraying?
Worth an apology?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:36pm
@gaurav I agreed with you but as far as I knew coach already apologies so what is the point to raise this issue again
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:39pm
I am not sure what the problem is over here. If India doesn't want your players, stop begging them. Maintain some self respect. Don't go crying to third parties to influence India. Have some self respect guys!!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:41pm
@Hammad see you might not remember, an indian women boxer,sarita devi who deserved gold medal but due to some politics was given silver medal. she refused to have it and she was banned for 1 year. finally she had to apologise for her behaviour and after lot of tensions the case got solved. so what was her fault there?? she had to apologise finally right?
you can compare from the event which was more bad tasted, her refusing medal or players showing middle finger and all that. hope you understand now.
so giving apology doesn't make us small. if you are a diamond you don't have to say it.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:41pm
@gaurav They already said sorry for what they did wrong, it is part of process and they were banned for finals as well. Anyhow you politicize hockey and cricket we will strike where it hurts the most that is we will not allow access to Afghanistan and central Asia through Pakistan. Choice is yours losing in Cricket and Hockey is more embarrassing or losing business.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:44pm
Pakistan please have some dignity. Please dont dream of sending your players to India. Pakistan has the potential to help their players in Pakistan also. So please do it their in Pakistan whatever youll want.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:47pm
@timetostopthis
I am an Indian and I am against your statement. Its a sport bro. how can you call it begging ??. your comment will fill hatred between people. if there is no good rival what the enjoy in playing a game.
whole india will love any sport between India and pakistan. even upto last year there was no tensions in hockey. they are arguing. don't call it begging .
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 04:48pm
@Bm Virat Kohli showed middle finger to the Australian crowd in Australia and was fined for his misconduct. He didn't apologize and in fact defended his actions. The obscene gesture by him was not only offending for the crowd in the stadium but also for those watching at home. If India wants to be so pure then why doesn't Kohli apologize to the entire cricketing community first? If he does then we would think about sending an apology to the hockey lovers. Here is the link to the article pertaining to Kohli and his unabashed behavior afterwards:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-in-australia/top-stories/Virat-Kohli-shows-the-finger-to-Sydney-crowd-defends-his-action/articleshow/11364968.cms
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:01pm
@Naxalite As an Indian,, Now India should show Big Heart too & allow Pakistani Players in League.
We can't demand apology it's should be came through from heart & ask for forgiveness.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:03pm
While Pakistan citizen proudly saying they don't want to play, the actual players are mourning. Showing finger was not cool. Also Asia cup victory was more important as it takes you to Olympic which Pakistan failed to qualify. Accept the truth. Let remove that one player and allow other to earn. Showing finger didn't put Pakistan in good light too.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:04pm
India should now create Super Group in Hockey and then in Athletics and then in Bedminton, Squash etc etc Hooray for Neutrality and fairplay.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:04pm
Let us have a suspension of all kind of relations between India and Pakistan for 5 years (including diplomatic also ). This move would be like a separation before Divorce . If , after 5 years there is no desire for having good relations from both sides then cut off the relations forever.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:04pm
@pankaj mate plz dont bring in heart patients into this discussion.For every patient of pakistan, India's door is always open
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:08pm
@max please look at the map. Afghanistan can be reached through other roots too. Do not mix the two.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:19pm
India should move back from its approach of asking for a sorry. This is not a classroom fight.. Both sides need to grow up.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:19pm
@Sk lol like which ones? Through Pakistan is the shortest and most reasonable route. Afghanistan doesn't have seaport. And to got through Iran is way more longer.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:21pm
@Seadorff I am down for that. I am getting sick of Indian hysteria about Pakistan anyways, may be it should help India come back to senses. Pakistan will also have a lesson or two to learn from it and move on to more practical options.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:22pm
theres no need to play in india...here in malaysia we have many pakistani players playing in clubs..around 20 plus players...and they can play in europe clubs...captain n coach already apologised..the indian board is a joke...they want to insult the pak players..so their morale is down and treat them like slaves if they play there..its their psychology to look superior...to be masters..dont follow their pressure
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:23pm
Players being offered US$50000++ is being reported. Good for Hockey and may help in reviving hockey in South Asia.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:31pm
We should now move on!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 05:44pm
As an Indian I am embarrassed by behaviour of FIH.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 06:12pm
A blind cricketer from Pakistan was served (not in the distant past) ACID on his breakfast table. The poor chap had to be hospitalized. There was no apology from the Indian board and Pakistan team brushed the incident aside in the spirit of the game.
Here's the link:
http://www.dawn.com/news/769857/indian-hotel-questioned-as-pakistan-blind-cricket-captain-consumes-acid
Wake up everyone. India has more pure intentions towards Pakistan than Snow White's step mother had for her!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 06:26pm
But, we are not known to learn from history!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 06:51pm
Ignore India, look for other countries players.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 06:52pm
and you forgot to mention that our players were pelted with bottles and obscene gestures by the home "fans" and their players alike and they haven't apologised for that.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 06:56pm
It is pure politics.But pakistan has option to call India's bluff by apologising.
As a fan of hockey i was hurt by thier obscence gestures.But we can overcome that.
Sportsperson should behave properly.Somebody pointed out 80 and 90's incidents,well the security now and then ,there is a huge difference.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:03pm
Mr. Batra is just trying to score some brownie points on national media. There is no point in dragging that event now. PHF isn't going to apologise, FIH isn't going to do anything about HI media comments and Pakistan players are not going to play in any Indian leagues any time soon.
You can't force an "Indian" league to allow players of Pakistan - especially when the relations between the two countries are extremely hostile.
All talks of people-people contact is very good but ground truth will prevail.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:07pm
Pakistani players are not safe playing in India, even if they had invited them to HIL their lives would have been in danger.....Mr Batra u could have said something else instead of asking for an apology......Till the time India has Prime Ministers like Mr Modi (warmongers) nothing would improve between Pakistan and India.......I am unable to understand what is the FIH President doing at a Private Hockey League.....they must have paid him alot.......:-)
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:11pm
@PHILOSOPHER (from Japan) Heated discussions between players are still acceptable. But towards spectators isn't. Players are like ambassadors of their nations. What those players did was immature.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:13pm
Indians have poor crowd they burn stadium during Pakistan India match in Chennai when home team start to loose.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:24pm
I agree that India should move on from this incident. It's been almost (or over) a year since and it's pretty shallow to ask for an apology now....I say all this as an Indian!
Look, there's no doubt that the Pakistani players lacked class and their behavior was appalling. For those that think that these kinds of things happen in other sports/with other countries are missing the point. No matter which side you support, there is something called as sportsmanship. NFL has penalties right at the play level for "unsportsmanlike behavior", so does rugby and many other sports. The point is you just don't behave like a classless bum from the streets (which is what the Pakistani players did).
All that said, it's shallow for India to ask for an apology and keep that as a criteria for inclusion in HIL. In some ways, India too is displaying "unsportsmanlike behavior"
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 07:39pm
To all our Indian Commentators here:
India is not playing cricket series with Pakistan because of the Hockey incident as well - right?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:04pm
As an Indian, I think India is making too much of it. Its a game and tempers were high. The captain apologized. Time to move on...
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:05pm
@pankaj
Money rules...unfortunately. Not as much to do with brilliance of people as you make this out to be. Instead, a lot to do with your true colors!
How do you people live with your hypocrisy?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:10pm
@pankaj
Ah...so you are admitting that only thing India cares about is MONEY...even from a Pakistani???
Shocker!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:14pm
Its very simple either say sorry or loose the opportunity... we are not bothered, up to you guys....
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:18pm
@gaurav
In your story about Sarita...that was an "INDIVIDUAL" sport...you must take responsibility if you want to participate again.
Where in the world does one punish an entire country for acts of few?
But...let's be honest (I know, not your cup of tea)... this is not about a couple of hockey players being rude...this is about the long standing hatred you have in your heart that is abundantly evident to anyone who care to notice!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:20pm
@Dejavu
Money talks!!! Those who join India in such endeavors view this mostly from that single dimension
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:24pm
@Nitin Rana
Most Indians are obsessed with Pakistan...no common sense about it. What you see is "hatred" on billboards!!
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:24pm
@Naxalite at least India has a heart.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:25pm
Being an Indian, India must not ask for apology. Such thing do happen in the playing field especially in high pressure situation and when the odd of winning is less....this is normal behavior and should be accepted.
I fear, even if the player had apologized, due to other political reason they would not have been included.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:26pm
For Pakistani board, apologize for your players behavior to Indian board and move on.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:28pm
Dropping a letter of apology doesn't belittle a person or an organization, that too when the sport was not played in the right spirit. In India, everything is aligned with it's politics, and as an Indian I see nothing wrong in it. And why it shouldn't be. Our sports bodies have the faith in the government and they fall well in line with it. Be it cricket or hockey, we leave all these decisions to our government. Yes, everybody wants healthy sports ties with all countries and Pakistan is no exception. I would love to see more India-Pakistan encounters. But please don't be paranoid about complaining to the International bodies on every matter, that would not serve any purpose. Yes, it isn't just applicable to sports.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 08:48pm
Another IPL type situation and another sheer display of greed for $$$ by our Pakistani players - have some respect - ignore the $$$ - think of Pakistan's dignity. India wants to isolate us - so be it, why we should die for Indian money - in cricket, hockey and movie. India is a rich neighbour but we are people of self-dignity, please don't lower it down - my fellow countrymen
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 09:21pm
Btw costliest Indian Player will be getting 84000 $ in HIL is a great sign for Indian Hockey. ...
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 09:31pm
@Ankit Bhadana I think you have your opinion in having no objection in govt intervention in Sports matters, but please refrain from trying to dictate world now. What's not right cannot be perceived right just on your whims. Pakistan has every right to raise the matter in appropriate manner wherever they want. And quite frankly it's the right ting to do. It may fall on deaf years now but with time consensus will build against India's image as a bully and unprofessional. Unfortunately, fo India they have nothing to offer to the Hockey as far as talent is concerned, unlike Pakistan for which FIH has time and again made exception, and even pretty evident in today's statement of Fairworth that FIH wants a stronger Pakistan back in Hockey.
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 10:07pm
@deds
It is regretful. Perhaps the maid left the phenyl bottle there by mistake or intentional. But the hotel administration has apologized. What does India got to do with it?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 10:19pm
Several Pakistani players removed their shirts, danced in jubilation, and raised obscene gestures towards the crowd; how about Virat Kohli in Cricket?
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 10:21pm
@AXH What a reply. You nailed it
Recommend
0
Sep 17, 2015 10:43pm
Apology for what. When will these crying babies grow up. Pakistan should announce a total boycott of all indian games unless they they apologies for their past cancellation of cricket & refusal to issue visa to Pakistani players.
Recommend
0
Sep 18, 2015 04:18am
@timetostopthis : Huh! Are you kidding me!
Recommend
0
Sep 18, 2015 05:42am
What about MFN status? No politics there too , my friends?
Recommend
0
Sep 18, 2015 11:30am
“These are two powerhouses of our hockey, and they not playing the World Cup and Olympics is not good.”, this sums up western opinion about India and Pakistan. We need to improve in every aspect of life and move on from the past.
Recommend
0
