NEW DELHI, Sept 19: The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has described as a “bundle of lies” a Pakistan official’s criticism of umpiring at this month’s Asia Cup where hosts India defended the title.

“It’s surprising such comments have come from a spokesman rather than the president or secretary of the Pakistan federation,” IHF secretary K.Jothikumaran told Reuters on Wednesday.

“If they’re indeed true they reflect the poor state of their hockey.”

Pakistan Hockey Federation spokesman Altaf Sabir slammed the umpiring in Chennai, where India thrashed Asian Games winners South Korea 7-2 in the final. Korea staged a walkout in protest at the umpiring.

Pakistan finished sixth in the 11-nation event after losing to Japan and China and drawing with Malaysia.—Reuters