Pak planning to bid for 2010 hockey World Cup

Lahore, Nov 17 (UNI) Pakistan is planning to bid for the next hockey World Cup in 2010 to revive the game's sagging fortunes in the country.

Quoting a top Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Akhtarul Islam, 'The News' reported that administrators are planning the bid and may come up with a proposal next year.

''We have been holding the Champions Trophy in recent years and would also stage its 2007 edition but the World Cup is something much bigger and we would certainly love to host it again,'' Mr Islam said.

Pakistan last hosted the World Cup in 1990 and reached the finals of the event before the team's less-than-impressive performances began to affect the country's appeal as a host nation.

The PHF Secratery said hosting the World Cup would give a major boost to the game's popularity in the country, which would help build up a strong team.

''If the World Cup comes to Pakistan, it can revive interest in hockey in a big way,'' he said.

Despite being the national game, hockey's popularity in Pakistan has taken a beating because of the team's below-par show in the past two decades.

Meanwhile, Mr Islam said a formal bid for the 2010 World Cup would be discussed by the PHF officials soon.

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