However, Hockey India drew the line, and refused to entertain any requests on the matter.
Pakistan on Wednesday requested that the Asian Hockey Federation move the Asian Champions Trophy to a neutral venue to ensure the team’s “uninterrupted” participation in the tournament after refusing to travel to India, citing “a sensitive bilateral situation”.
“No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. The interim Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president, Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, requested either that the entire tournament be moved to a neutral venue or that Pakistan’s matches be played at neutral venues. However, he maintained that Pakistan are entirely committed towards playing in the tournament.
Speaking to the news agency PTI, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who is also an Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) vice-president, said there will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this, if they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy they will have to come to India,” he said. “The decision has been taken in view of the current sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and the prevailing security conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials,” Wani said in the statement. “We are ready to take on India as well as all FIH member nations on the field and remain committed to the principle of keeping sport free from politics,” Wani said. “We strongly hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will positively consider our dignified proposal for a neutral venue to ensure Pakistan’s uninterrupted and full participation in the tournament.”
