LAHORE: Pakistan’s chances of participating in the Champions Trophy were given a boost as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) increased the number of participants in the event from six to eight while giving two teams wild cards.
“In the meeting, there were suggestions to cancel the Champions Challenge Cup and the qualifying rounds have been scrapped and in its absence, a world hockey series would be introduced,” Bajwa told The Express Tribune after his arrival from Singapore where he attended an FIH meeting.
“According to the recommendations, 24 teams would take part in the world hockey series and only on the basis of this series, the teams would participate in the World Cup, Olympics, Champions Trophy and other such events.”
It seems likely that, in order to attract viewers, the FIH will award the two remaining slots to India and Pakistan since the sport rivalry is unmatched by other teams. This will allow Pakistan to take part in the tournament which they would not have otherwise after finishing 12th in the World Cup.
Published in the Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2010.
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