Indo-Pak series vs WSH this January

B Shrikant, Hindustan Times

If Hockey India’s efforts materialise and it gets permission from the government, India-Pakistan rivalry will take on the cash-rich World Series Hockey (WSH) in January next year.

The WSH will be held from December 17 to January 22 at eight yet to be decided teams and venues.

At a time when the WSH, promoted by the rival Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), would be at its peak in January, Hockey India (HI) is planning to invite some top teams to the country to help the Indian men’s team prepare for the Olympic Qualifiers at New Delhi from February 15-26. Pakistan is on top of the list and could visit India for a three-test series.

A decision on matches could be taken as early as Tuesday.

“Yes, we are planning to organise a number of matches for both the men’s and the women’s team before the Olympic Qualifiers. We are meeting Sports Ministry officials on Tuesday to firm up some aspects of our Long Term Development Plan and a decision on the matches will be decided at that time,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra told HT on Thursday. He said it was not an attempt to take on the WSH in the race for eyeballs but admitted that the matches will definitely be televised.