IHF plans international hockey tourney in September

Lahore, Jan 14 (UNI) Indian Hockey Federation is planning to invite Pakistan, Australia and South Korea for an international tournament to be held in Chennai in September.

The tournament, which is awaiting Asian Hockey Federation's (AHF) approval, could also see participation of newly emerging Asian hockey powers like China, Japan and Malaysia, besides New Zealand, according to a report by The News.

India lost to China in the Doha Asian Games last month which resulted to the former's first ever elimination before the semi-final stage in the history of the Games.

The proposed tournament would come up for discussion in the AHF Congress which is in progress in Kuala Lumpur, the report said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Akhtarul Islam, who is contesting for a seat at the AHF Executive Committee, held informal talks with the Indian Federation officials in Kaula Lumpur regarding the dates and venues of the proposed India-Pakistan Test series, the newspaper said.

India has two international assignments this year -- Azlan Shah tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia, from May 12 to 20 and the Champions Challenge at Boom, Belgium, in June.

India failed to qualify for this year's Champions Trophy in Lahore after finishing a dismal 11th position in last year's World Cup in Germany.

UNI