PHF annoyed with IHF, says Indian federation's campaign misleading

Lahore, Sept 7 (UNI) Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) today reacted angrily to the reported moves by its Indian counterpart to host the Champions Trophy.

Uncertainity has gripped the prestigious six-nation Champions Trophy which is scheduled to be held here from December 1 to 9, as Australia and South Korea have pulled out of it due to security reasons.

The PHF has taken a serious view of the reports that Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) is showing keen intrest in hosting the event though India has not qualified for it.

In a statement, PHF media manager Altaf Sabir said, ''Despite Hockey Australia's official pull-out and South Korea's unofficial remarks, the Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) has so far maintained its decision to hold the tournament as per the initial plan at the National Hockey Stadium at Lahore.'' He lashed out at the IHF saying, ''As the PHF has not received any official intimation from the FIH or the Korean Hockey Federation about their stance, IHF's campaign is seen as uncalled for and misleading.'' ''For the Indian hockey officials, it has always been a dream to play in this elite event. But the dream turns into a nightmare each time their team hits rock bottom in world events. Remarks made by the Korean coach in the Indian press do not carry any weight since they could be off the cuff and thus hold no official line. Even if they decline, it has to come from the Korean Hockey Federation,'' Altaf said.

Altaf also came down heavily on the Indian media alleging that ''its propaganda about shifting venues from Lahore to Chandigarh seems to have backfired for the moment since FIH Marketing Manager Bob Dividzon, who was in Chennai for the ongoing Asia Cup, was reluctant to confirm whether a decision has been taken regarding the matter,'' he said.

''It's abundantly clear that the FIH, when it meets by September 15 to make the final decision, will have to cross a lot of hurdles in case it opts for a shift,'' he cautioned.

UNI