The four-nation hockey meet here, planned from January 17-21 as a test event ahead of the World Cup later next month has been cancelled for lack of permission from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). “We have cancelled the four-nation tournament scheduled later this month because FIH did not give us approval to organise the tournament,” HI president AK Mattoo said.
But while there was speculation that the decision was taken since the National Stadium — venue for the World Cup beginning Februry 28 — was not ready, Hockey India sources said it was because the FIH had refused to grant it official status. “Things at the stadium will be in place in time. But the teams were not finalised and, being an unofficial event, there were also concerns on getting stronger teams,” sources said.
Instead, a test series with France will be held in the middle of February, the dates for which are yet to be finalised.
“There are also talks of getting China for a couple of matches, and the response from the Chinese association has been positive. While China will not be a part of the World Cup, they are among the top 10 in the world and a strong team,” sources said. In addition, there are also talks of getting World No 5 Korea — the highest-ranked Asian team — to play a few matches before the World Cup.
Mattoo also said construction at the stadium was going as per schedule and there was no question of any delay in the organising of the World Cup. “We are taking stock of the preparations and the stadium will be in place. There is no question of delay,” he said.
‘Sort out affiliation mess’
Meanwhile, the government-appointed election observer SK Mendiratta has asked Hockey India to sort out the affiliation mess. “I have written to HI, asking them to finalise the list of authorised representatives by January 10 and make the same public. At the same time, sufficient time should be given for proper filing of nominations and at least one day’s gap should be there between filing of nominations and the election,” he said.
Badal seeks ministry help
Hockey Punjab president Sukhbir Badal met sports minister MS Gill seeking help to get affiliation. Badal later said that he had sought the minister’s intervention for not only Punjab but other state units as well including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
Asked about the Punjab issue, Mattoo said, “My intentions are clear that nobody should be left out. We are looking into the matter and there is no question of keeping anyone out of the election process. We are ready for talks with Hockey Punjab or its president,” he said.