KARACHI, Sept 21: Security concerns by the participants has forced Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to put two international events in cold storage, officials said Saturday.

A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman said the International Hockey Federation (FIH) had approved the idea to organize two five-nation contests annually.

“We have approval from the FIH in black and white, but can’t organize the tournaments as teams are being advised by their governments not to visit Pakistan,” PHF secretary Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan told a press conference.

Pakistan had floated the idea to hold two separate tournaments for the teams from Asia and Europe annually with Pakistan hosting the inaugural edition and then on rotation basis.

The tournament featuring European outfits was scheduled last year June, but the plan didn’t materialise due to teams’ inability to play in Pakistan because of security fears.

Sporting events in Pakistan have been hit after Sept 11 terror attacks in the United States which resulted in military action by the U.S-led forces against Afghanistan.

The PHF official said both seniors and juniors, would take part in four to six international events next year.

After inconsistent performances by the team during the last two years, the secretary was cautious and refrained from making tall claims about this month’s Asian Games in Busan, South Korea from Sept 29.

“We have lost to Indians 3-2 and then won 4-3 at Cologne Champions Trophy, and also defeated South Korea 4-1. But all these matches are history.

“Both India and South Korea cannot be underestimated. It all depends on the day, and how the team performs during the Games,” he said.

The secretary admitted Karachi’s DHA Hockey Stadium had become a hub of cricket and football activity because of PHF’s negligence.

“Yes I admit it is PHF’s fault that the venue is being converted into a place where cricket is being played. The present situation is because PHF did not initiate activity. Now we will concentrate on it,” he said.

Asked about Monday’s PHF elections where seven officials will be elected, he said he had no intimation about the candidates.

The Congress will elect the president, secretary, two vice-presidents, two associate secretaries, and a treasurer in Lahore at 5.00pm.

“So far I have no knowledge. We will know about the candidates at the Congress, and that’s the routine,” the secretary said.