Punjab Gold Cup 4-nation hockey approved by FIH

CHANDIGARH,

THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) has accorded approval to the Punjab Gold Cup Men Four-Nation Invitational Double Leg Hockey Tournament to be hosted by the Punjab Sports Department from February 5 to 14 next year.

According to Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh, FIH General Manager Christophe Troen dle has conveyed the sanction to ad hoc committee of the Indian Hockey Confederation. Besides hosts India, Pakistan, Holland and German teams would be seen in action in the double leg to be played at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium in Chandigarh and the second leg, classification match and final will be staged at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.

The Punjab Sports Department will provide to and fro air fare for 22 members, including one umpire of each team, free board and lodging and local transport.

Pargat Singh said that the double-leg series would be professionally managed. Expert agencies will be associated for the smooth and professional conduct of the tournament. Expert agencies would be associated and the matches would be telecast live.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Sports Department has also requested the International Hockey Federation through Mrs Amrit Bose of Indian Hockey Confederation, for sanction to organise an invitational Four-National Women hockey tournament in the last week of April, next year.

Besides hosts India, three national teams from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Australia, Holland and Germany will compete in the double-leg tournament in Jalandhar.