AMSTERDAM, Aug 8: Hockey powerhouses the Netherlands are hedging their bets on going to Champions Trophy at Lahore in December and indicated so by announcing on Wednesday they will wait until International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) decision in Beijing this week whether to hold the tournament in Pakistan.

The Royal Dutch Hockey Board (KNHB) sought advice from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs which advised that the Dutch team could go to Lahore if they were leaving today. “Due precaution is, however, required and the Ministry stated that it could not forsee the situation in December,” said the KNHB spokesman.

“In the Consular Service’s July 17th travel advisory for Pakistan, under the section general, it is stated that there is a high risk of terrorism and sectarian violence in Pakistan. They advise against visiting busy public areas and demonstrations.

“Under section terrorism, it is stated that Western interests and persons are possible targets for terrorist activity throughout Pakistan. The threat of bombing or attack is greatest in large cities but is also present in hotels, clubs and restaurants,” stated the KNHB.

It further said that they do not consider the situation ideal. “Despite positive travel advisory from (the Netherlands) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, KNHB is concerned about the security. In addition to this, the current list of participants does not represent the top six teams in the world.”

“Two of the six countries may not participate (Australia definitely, Spain possibly) if Trophy is held in Lahore. Should Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice change, the Netherlands may withdraw which will leave only half of the participants in the tournament.”— Agencies