KARACHI, Aug 11: While the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has refrained from shifting the Champions Trophy from Lahore in a haste at its meeting, it says that final decision is expected early next month after keeping a watch on Pakistan’s security and political situation.
The sport’s Lausanne-based international body did discuss the security issue in Pakistan at its meeting in Beijing but refrained from taking any decision on shifting the elite six-nation tournament from Punjab’s capital.
“At meetings held in Beijing during the Olympic hockey test event, the FIH considered the possible effect the recent unrest in Pakistan may have on the tournament. The FIH will consult with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the participating teams before taking any decision,” the FIH announced on Saturday.
The tournament is scheduled to be held from Dec 1 while Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea and hosts Pakistan have qualified for the event. Olympic champions Australia have, however, pulled out of the tournament, citing security concerns as the reason.
While more details of the meeting were not available from the FIH, the PHF secretary Khalid Mahmood said the ruling body would monitor the situation before taking any decision about the tournament.
“There is positive response from the FIH on Champions Trophy’s issue so far. Discussions were held at Beijing meeting, but final decision is yet to be taken. But I don’t have an idea when the FIH will take final decision.
“There is no timeframe for that. What I know is that if security situation worsens here, then the FIH might move the event to another venue which will be decided later,” the PHF secretary told Dawn from Lahore.
Khalid, however, parried the question over Australia’s pull out from the Trophy.
“If Australia have pulled out because they think there is some security problem, then it’s their decision and they are free to take such decision,” the PHF official said who had recently been quoted in press that the federation had lodged a protest against Australia’s decision.
Khalid, however, confirmed that no other country announced to pull out of the Champions Trophy at the meeting and added that South Korean officials had been in contact with the PHF.
“We have offered the South Koreans and they are welcome if they wish to visit Lahore to see arrangements for the tournament.”
The FIH said that decision on who would replace Australia would be made “after consulting the reserve countries.”
According to the FIH world rankings, Argentina at seventh place, should be the automatic replacement of Australia. But FIH’s statement indicates it will also seek availability from the Argentines in the backdrop of escalating violence in the country.
Over 200 people, including foreigners have been killed, in a series of suicide bombings following a military operation against militants in Lal Masjid in Islamabad last month. The United States has also warned to launch attacks inside Pakistan to eliminate Al Qaeda operatives believed to be hiding in the northern areas.