International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Monday disallowed the Pakistan team to participate in Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2016, which is being held in India from December 8 to 18, over Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) inability to meet the deadlines.

FIH on Monday invited the Malaysian junior men’s team to take part in the event, replacing Pakistan, even though the green shirts had officially qualified.

The international body termed it PHF's fault as it failed to submit visa applications for Pakistani delegation before the official deadline and it's inability to confirm the delegation's accommodation venue before the deadline.

PHF Secretary Shehbaz Ahmed, while talking to DawnNews, termed the move 'pre-planned' and said, "Pakistan did not delay any schedule obligation and it is all India's fault to not issue visa to Pakistan's delegation before deadline."

"Our government had timely issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players to take part in the tournament, but it is sad that Pakistan will not be able to take part in Junior Hockey World Cup," said Ahmed.

"We had planned training camps for our players so how can we delay any schedule to jeopardise our participation," he maintained.

"I had already seen it coming that this decision by FIH is going to go against Pakistan.”

Pakistan on November 19 had issued NOCs to the Pakistan Junior team for taking part in the Junior World Hockey Cup scheduled to be held in India from December 8 to 18.

PHF on November 16 had expressed reservations about India calling the shots in the world hockey and taking undue control to sideline Pakistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...