Asia Cup to begin on August 31, 11 teams in fray

Chennai, Aug 14 (UNI) The Asia Cup Hockey tournament for men, which is scheduled to be held here from September 1 to 9, has been advanced by a day, Indian Hockey Federation(IHF) Secretary K Jyothikumaran announced here today.

In a press release, he said the tournament will be held from August 31 to September 9 and added IHF would announce the revised schedule soon.

He said the extra day was necessitated as with Pakistan agreeing to participate in the tournament, the number of teams in fray would be 11 and the teams would have to play almost continuously in the league phase.

He said two rest days would be provided in between in the revised schedule.

Reigning champions India have been placed in the six-team Pool B along with Korea, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

UNI