ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said on Monday that the decision not to participate in the FIH Champions Trophy was taken after thorough deliberations.

“The decision not to send our team to England to take part in the Champions Trophy was not taken in oblivion as we held thorough discussion before pulling out of the event,” the PHF president told APP.

The timing of the Champions Trophy did not suit us, he said, arguing that Pakistan hockey was passing through the revival stage.

“We’ve have selected some really talented players from the recently-held player identification and trial camps in different cities.

“But these young men, many of whom have no international exposure, need some time to settle down before featuring in important events as we don’t want to shatter their confidence,” Khokhar reckoned.

The Trophy considered as one of the most awaited events is held every two years with the Great Britain being the hosts for this year’s Champions Trophy scheduled to take place from June 10 to 17 in London.

It is important to remember that the FIH had given Pakistan a wildcard entry for the event and its president Leandro Negre in an interview has expressed disappointment over PHF’s decision not to send team for the event.

However, Khokhar said that he would talk to FIH president to explain the reasons behind staying away from the event.

“Leandro is a nice man. We are thankful to him for offering us a wildcard entry. However, I will apprise him about the reasons behind our decision of not fielding our team and I am sure he will understand our view point,” maintained Khokhar.

He further said that the incumbent federation having taken over in August last year had clarified that it would need at least two to three years to raise a good outfit and bring Pakistan hockey at par with international standard.

“We’ve clearly stated that we can’t change the situation overnight and will require some time to put our hockey back on track,” he maintained.

“We’ve set a target for us and that is preparing a formidable side for the 2018 World Cup. The nation has shown trust in the federation and we don’t want to disappoint people by taking part in an event we know we won’t be able to finish at some respectable place,” Khokhar stated.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2016