LAHORE: Argentina have refused to take part in the four-nation tournament, which the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is trying to stage in March this year as part of national team’s preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games, to be held in August-September.

It was learnt that Argentina Hockey authorities had expressed non-availability of their national team for the said tournament, while India — another country invited for the said contest — is also not ready to confirm their participation. Malaysia was the third country, invited for the tournament.

However, it is further learnt that the PHF has contacted Argentina’s ambassador in Pakistan to urge him to convince his country’s authorities to send their team to Pakistan for the tournament, insisting fool-proof security would be provided to Argentine hockey squad.

The proposed competition can be considered as the main event for the PHF for the preparation of national team for the Olympics.

If Pakistan does not succeed in hosting the four-nation tournament, then Azlan Shah Cup will be the only major event available for the PHF prior to the London Games.