LAHORE, Sept 25: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has not only decided to change the venue of the 29th Champions Trophy from Lahore, it has also decided to increase the duration of the tournament from nine to 11 days after increasing the number of participating countries from six to eight.

A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman said that according to information received from the FIH, the competition will be held either in India or Malaysia from Nov 29 to Dec 9 instead of Dec 1 to 9.

The duration has been increased as England and the new hosts have been included as participants in the competition. England’s fifth place at the World Cup-2006 paved way for their inclusion.

The Champions Trophy was to be held in Lahore but shifted after Australia, Spain and South Korea refused to travel to Pakistan due to security reasons.

The spokesman added that the decision about the new hosts of the event would be taken by the end of the current week.