PHF expresses concern over FIH’s decision to abolish Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday expressed its concern over the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH)
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday expressed its concern over the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) decision to abolish the elite Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament which was introduced by Pakistan. “In light of the recent decision of the FIH, it is a matter of immense disappointment for the PHF to learn that the FIH has decided to abolish the ever exciting Champions Trophy from its yearly calendar all of a sudden without any prior consultation with the PHF,” said a spokesman for the PHF here yesterday. The PHF introduced the Champions Trophy to the FIH in the year 1979 and since then the tournament has been held for 35 times out of which Pakistan won the title thrice. World’s top six hockey teams come together annually to face off against each other for the coveted title. The PHF official said the national federation would protest this decision. “We will ask the world body to reconsider its decision. The move is the most unfortunate for the game of hockey,” maintained the spokesman. “However, Pakistan, being the originator of the tournament, has always remained vigilant and supportive for the best interest of our national game and its audience. And such decisions will result in dissuasion of hockey governing bodies for taking constructive initiatives for the growth and development of hockey”, said the spokesman.
The FIH has recently announced that a new portfolio of events will be launched in 2019 which will completely change the landscape of international hockey. The plan also includes scrapping of the Champions Trophy which, according to the FIH plans, will be held for the last time in 2018 at Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Proposals for the new portfolio were approved by the FIH Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland earlier this month. The decision was made after more than 18 months of consultation and research overseen by a specially-formed working group for the project.
(Source: Daily Times)
(Source: Daily Times)
