LAHORE, July 27: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has given a strange reason for deciding to participate in the Asia Cup hockey, saying the decision had been reversed after the FIH informed it was a ranking event.

Pakistan were included in the tournament on Thursday after they contacted the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). PHF had earlier refused to take part in the tournament, saying the team would not take part in major events to avoid defeats.

“Earlier, the PHF had taken decision not to participate in the Asia Cup because it was considered not conducive in the rebuilding process of the national team. But the decision has been reversed when the federation received an official intimation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that Asia Cup is a ranking tournament. Currently, Pakistan are placed fifth in the world rankings after Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Spain, but are number one among the Asian countries,” a PHF spokesman said.

However, sources said the PHF had refused to take part in the Asia Cup as a reaction to the AHF elections held earlier this year.

Sources said the PHF officials believe that Malaysia and India had prepared a joint strategy to get their nominated persons elected which resulted in disastrous results for Pakistan.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Chennai, from Sept 1 to 9.