India told to stay at home

18/03/2003

INDIA threw a spanner in the Azlan Shah Cup scheduled for March 22-30 in
Ipoh, yesterday when the Indian Government did not allow them to travel to
Malaysia.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) received a fax from the Indian
Hockey Federation stating that they will not be taking part after a
meeting held in India.
"The IHF fax stated that their Government did not allow them to travel,
and there were no other reasons for their eleventh-hour pullout from the
invitational tournament," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam yesterday.
Since the Azlan Shah Cup is an International Hockey Federation (FIH)
sanctioned tournament, India may be punished for their actions.
"I will have to check with the FIH on the next course of action since it
is a sanctioned tournament," said Satgunam.
But one thing is for sure though, MHF will have to redraw the fixtures.
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh, when approached after his team beat
Malaysia 5-3 in the First Test, was shocked when told of India's
withdrawal from the Azlan Shah Cup.
"This is news to me. Did India really withdraw? Well it would have been
great if they had come, but we have no problems playing a five-team
tournament in their absence," said Shanaz.
National chief coach Paul Lissek was clearly disappointed with the news.
"What? India pulled out? This is a big blow as they are always an
interesting team to play against.
"Now the only solution that I see is for the MHF to invite another team,
like Japan or even China to see if they are able to make last minute
arrangements," said Lissek.
The Azlan Shah Cup, incepted in 1983, will have to make do with
champions Germany, South Korea, Pakistan, New Zealand and Malaysia, if no
other country is available as an eleventh-hour replacement.
(END)