NEW DELHI: A four-nation tournament, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium here from January 13, has been cancelled due to the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) refusal to grant permission for the same.

Making the announcement here on Monday, Hockey India President A.K. Mattoo said efforts were on to organise a Test series with France. The series could serve as a test event for the World Cup.

“We have cancelled the four-nation tournament since the FIH did not give us permission. We are trying to have a bilateral series between India and France,” said Mattoo.

He also made it clear that permission was not denied because of the venue. “The construction (at National Stadium) is on schedule,” asserted Mattoo.

Incidentally, the National Stadium is the venue for the World Cup to be held from February 28. — Special Correspondent