rediff.com: FIH clarifies: C'wealth men's hockey


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August 7, 2001

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FIH clarifies: C'wealth men's hockey

Our Correspondent

Following the Commonwealth Games Federation's acceptance of the International Hockey Federation's policy for qualification to the men's and women's hockey tournaments at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, questions are being raised about Pakistan's inclusion in the men's competition as the country is suspended from the Commonwealth.

FIH Marketing and Communications manager Steven Morris, in an email to rediff.com, sent a clarification on the issue. It is reproduced below:

FIH received the following clarification from the CGA Relations Department:

"Pakistan is currently suspended from the Commonwealth; however, they are not fully excluded, therefore we are encouraged to carry on working with the Non governmental Organisations (NGO) such as the NOC/ CGAs' maintaining sporting links and their participation in sporting events.

Therefore, Pakistan at this stage will be participating in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester."

Thus, Pakistan have qualified from Asia, having the best ranking by virtue of finishing fourth at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

However, the Indian men's team can still make it to the Commonwealth Games if one of the teams withdraws. It is likely that Barbados, who qualified for the tournament as the highest ranked team from the first Americas Cup 2000, will make way for India. According to FIH rules, in case of any country withdrawing, the next highest ranked team is eligible to play irrespective of the region.

Mail Sports Editor