‘Given a alternative, we are going to…’: FIH chief makes a giant assertion on India-Pakistan hockey rivalry | Hockey Information – Instances of India

‘Given a alternative, we are going to…’: FIH chief makes a giant assertion on India-Pakistan hockey rivalry | Hockey Information – Instances of India

NEW DELHI: The Worldwide Hockey Federation (FIH) is eager to see the revival of bilateral hockey matches between India and Pakistan, in response to FIH president Tayyab Ikram. He emphasised that such a collection can be helpful for each international locations and the game globally.
“For us, given a alternative, we need to begin tomorrow with a bilateral hockey collection between India and Pakistan.It’s good for each India and Pakistan, and world hockey,” Ikram advised PTI in an unique interview.
The final bilateral hockey collection between the 2 neighbors was held in 2006, with Pakistan rising victorious. Since then, the groups have solely competed in worldwide occasions on account of political tensions.
Ikram highlighted the challenges confronted by Pakistan’s hockey crew, declaring that monetary sources are essential for the crew’s success.
“I don’t see Pakistan hockey has downgraded, it’s all about lack of sources. I really feel for the gamers. They’re a powerful crew however right now, with out a sturdy monetary mannequin, you can not have excessive efficiency construction,” he mentioned.
India stays a big associate for the FIH, each by way of sponsorships and internet hosting occasions. The Junior World Cup is already scheduled to be hosted by India subsequent yr, and discussions for future occasions are ongoing.
The FIH has additionally allotted a window for the revival of the Hockey India League (HIL), from the final week of December to the primary week of February.
Ikram indicated that Hockey 5s, a smaller format of the sport, helps to contain extra international locations in hockey, though the normal 11-a-side format stays the first focus, particularly for the Olympic Video games.
Ikram asserted that hockey stays a secure sport inside the Olympic motion and confused the significance of supporting smaller member nations to strengthen the game globally.
“That’s our first precedence, to interact and empower the smaller nations as a result of with them, we could be a greater and stronger federation,” Ikram mentioned.