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Pakistan

FIH wants golden days of Asian hockey to return, says Meredith

* Two-member delegation expresses satisfaction over PHF renovation plans

LAHORE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) wants golden days of the Asian hockey to return. That is why the FIH has awarded 26th Champions Trophy to Pakistan, stated FIH events manager Dennis Meredith during a news conference at the National Hockey Stadium (NHS) here on Monday. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Musarrat Ullah Khan was also present on the occasion.

“Pakistan has the biggest hockey arena and we are delighted that top class hockey is returning to this country after a gap of six years,” Meredith said while referring to the Champions Trophy held in Lahore way back in 1998.

Meredith and Arjen Rahusen are the two-member FIH team who are in Lahore to inspect the venue and facilities for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The duo expressed the confidence that Pakistan would complete the renovation work of the NHS by August for holding the elite six-nation event in a befitting manner.

Meredith rejected a questioner that Champions Trophy might be shifted from Pakistan due to any reason including security. “There are no such plans, not even contingency plans to shift it elsewhere and it will definitely take place in Pakistan.” Meredith said he was delighted that the renovation and upgradation work at the stadium had started and the arena would get a new look after addition of a number of modern facilities.

The FIH official said the PHF gave them a detailed briefing highlighting the efforts of the government and the federation for carrying out upgradation and renovation work. “It was a detailed presentation and we are highly impressed with the struggle of the PHF for making the stadium well equipped with all the facilities,” he said and added: “Surely we will be submitting a positive report regarding the efforts of Pakistan.”

He said security situation was good for sporting events in Pakistan and the recently concluded 10-nation junior hockey tournament in Karachi was a good sign in this regard. “FIH is very happy that the authorities are providing top security to the participating teams and hopefully same will be repeated during the Champions Trophy.”

The PHF has undertaken the task of renovation of the NHS at a cost of Rs17.50 million. The renovation work includes installation of a lift, rooms for the players, creation of FIH and AHF offices, upgradation of VVIP, VIP and media enclosures, establishment of a modern media centre, a doping and a medical centre.

“We have given various technical suggestions to the PHF for improvement of hockey, and the national federation has welcomed them,” he said. Meredith said the proposed Pakistan-India hockey series in September-October this year would serve as a full dress rehearsal to assess the facilities for the Champions Trophy.

He termed the holding of Pakistan-India series a good omen for the cause of hockey globally, especially in Asia. He was of the view that such events should be held on a regular basis. “FIH is taking steps with the help of the members countries to have more hockey activities in the region,” he said.

Musarrat Ullah said the artificial turf would be replaced before the Champions Trophy and all the renovation work would be completed before the August deadline. “The work has started and in a fortnight it will be in full swing. We are optimistic to complete it ahead of the deadline.” He said Pakistan-India series would help in revealing Pakistan’s organisational skills for the Champions Trophy. “We have organised a number of elite hockey events in the past and we will once again live up to our reputation as a great host nation,” he concluded.

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