India invited for hockey 'Mini WC'

The Indian hockey team will take part in an eight-nation meet, billed as the first 'Mini World Cup', to be held in Holland in August next year.

The Indian Hockey Federation authorities have received an invitation from their Dutch counterparts for participation in the eight-nation competition, the biggest to be held in Holland after the World Cup.

"It's like a mini World Cup and will involve all the top countries in the world -- India, Pakistan, Holland, Germany, Australia, Korea, Spain and England," IHF media manager Anupam Ghulati said.

"It's a good opportunity and we are looking forward to it," he said.

Besides the World Cup, the biggest tournament Holland has organised so far is the BMW Trophy in 1990 in which seven countries took part. India had finished fifth on that occasion.

Some other important fixtures also await the Indians in 2005 when the country will host the prestigious Champions Trophy.

Chennai, the venue for the six-nation Champions Trophy, may host another six-nation event after the laying of a new astro-turf in January.

India, who made to this year's Champions Trophy by default after Australia pulled out, secured an automatic berth in the next edition as the hosts.

The country will also host Belgium, who gave the Indians a run for their money during a friendly series in Germany just before the Olympics.