Pakistan may send hockey team to India

Islamabad, Jan 3: Notwithstanding the cancellation of the Indian cricket tour, Pakistan has hinted that it may send its hockey team to India to participate in a four nation tournament.

“We are still considering sending our hockey team to India for the four-nation tournament but the decision will be taken in the wake of relations between the countries in coming days," the Daily Times quoted the Pakistan Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jillani, as saying.

Jilani said that his Ministry and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is keeping a close watch on the decreasing tension between both the countries.

Labelling the security of players as the prime consideration,he said: “Security of national players would be the prime objective.We will ensure security first before sending any team to India."

India is slated to host a four nation hockey tournament in February, 2009. Germany and Netherlands are the other two participating nations besides India and Pakistan.

ANI