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Chandigarh Dec. 25L An Indian hockey ad-hoc committee member on Thursday conceded that it was good riddance that Pakistan backed out of the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament — to kick off at Chandigarh on January 31 — due to deteriorating relations between the two countries.

“It is good that they turned down our invite. Otherwise, looking at the present scenario, there could have been a situation where the Indian government could have prohibited us from playing them.: A top Sports Ministry source told HT that although no guidelines had been issued as yet on not playing Pakistan, matters would be taken up on a case-by-case basis only when something came up.

But Pakistan’s withdrawal has put the organizers in a spot. The Kookburras too ohave said no to the Rs. one croer double-leg tournament to be palyed at Chandgarh and jalandhar. “We approached Australia after pakistan pulled out int he wake of the 26/11 terror attacks, but they also refused citing security reasns.”

So, is there a possibility of the tournament being reduced to three-Nation? “No. We are in talks with New Zealand and Malaysian federations. Both have responded positively and the fourth team will be finalized in a day or two.” said Pargat. Germany and Holland have confirmed their participation.

Courtesy: Saurab Duggal in Hindustan Times