KUALA LUMPUR, July 26: Pakistan has had a change of plans and will now be competing in the forthcoming Asia Cup hockey tournament which will be held in Chennai from September 1-9.

Indian hockey Federation (IHF) secretary general, K. Jothi Kumaran on Thursday confirmed that Pakistan has decided to play in the tournament after having withdrawn initially.

“This is good news and we have agreed to accept them although it is way past the closing date. We will now inform Asian Hockey Federation and International Hockey Federation of new development,” said Kumaran.

This brings the number of entries in Asia Cup to 11 teams including Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

A new draw for the groupings and fixtures will now be chalked out in view of Pakistan’s inclusion. Jothi said Pakistan would add more glamour to the tournament and their match with India would be the highlight of the tourney.—Agencies