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LAHORE Declaring his visit a success to know about the basic problems in reviving international hockey in Pakistan, International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre has said he would contact with other countries to find out ways to revive it step by step.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday after completing a four-day visit of Pakistan, Negre, however, said the task to revive international hockey in Pakistan would take time.
'It can't be done overnight and it may need a considerable time but the FIH is supporting the Pakistan Hockey Federation in this great job,' Negre said, who accompanied by European Hockey Federation secretary general David Balbrine completed the tour.
The delegation will leave for India on Saturday to examine arrangements for next year's World Cup.
Negre said Pakistan was an important member of the world of hockey and it was not possible to get the golden era of hockey back without it.
Answering a question, the FIH president said no wild-card entry could be given for the upcoming Champions Trophy, to be held in Melbourne, Australia, due to shortage of time.
He, however, added that wild-card entries would be awarded for the next edition.
He expressed hope that Pakistan would be able to get a place in the Champions Trophy on its world ranking instead of wild-card.
Meanwhile, PHF president Qasim Zia said the visit of Negre would bring positive results in future and termed it a big success.
He added that the visit at the crucial time had strengthened Pakistan's case.
