LAHORE: Confirming participation of the national team in the forthcoming Asian Champions Trophi in India, the Pakistan Hockey Feder­ation has sought a no-objection certificate from the Pakistan Sports Board in order to proceed with the other formalities.

The continental tournament takes place in Chennai from August 3 to 12 and PHF secretary Haider Hussain said that participation in the event was crucial, despite strained ties between Pakistan and India, as the national team could face the wrath of international hockey bodies.

“The Asian Hockey Federation has the authority to impose a penalty on the PHF for refusing to send the team to India,” Haider told Dawn on Wednesday.

“In case the government doesn’t allow us, we will not send the team and face the consequences.”

Pakistan join hosts India, China, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia in the six-team event and Haider said the PHF needed the government to finance the expenditure for it.

“The government has made a contribution but there is a need to raise funds from the private sector,” he informed.

The former international said Pakistan needed to play in international events in order to improve its ranking and the PHF was trying to avail every opportunity that comes.

He added that the PHF wanted to play against India on a bilateral basis but it was not possible due to the political situation.

“Playing against each other will help both countries to improve the standard of the game and popularise the sport in the region,” he opined.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2023