Hockey: We play Asia Cup for rankings says PHF

Lahore, July 28: After doing a U-turn, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has given a weird reason for its decision to participate in the Asia Cup hockey at Chennai, saying the stand has been reversed after FIH informed it was a ranking event.

Pakistan were included in the tournament on Thursday after they contacted the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). PHF had earlier refused to take part in the tournament, saying the team would not take part in major events to avoid defeats.

A PHF spokesman told The Dawn, ''Earlier, the PHF had taken decision not to participate in the Asia Cup because it was considered not conducive in the rebuilding process of the national team.

''But the decision has been reversed when the federation received an official intimation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that Asia Cup is a ranking tournament.'' The official also informed that currently Pakistan are placed fifth in the world rankings after Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Spain, although thay are the ranked above all the other Asian countries.

However, many believe that PHF had refused to participate because Malaysia and India had prepared a joint strategy to get their nominated persons elected to the AHF elections held earlier this year.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Chennai, from September 1 to 9.

UNI