National Hockey likely to be postponed

ISLAMABAD: The 65th National Nur Khan Hockey Championship, which was scheduled to be held at the Hockey Club of Pakistan in Karachi from April 20, is likely to be postponed.

A well-placed source in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed to ‘The News’ that the event is likely to be postponed following requests received from some leading departments for more time to prepare for the tournament.

“We have received a few requests from the leading departments on the postponement of the event more because they say they need more time to prepare teams for the premier domestic event. Considering these requests, we are seriously thinking in terms of postponement of the championship,” one of the PHF officials when contacted said.

Besides leading departments, four provincial teams also were drawn in the contest.

“We are consulting on the fresh date of the championship, which now is most likely to be organised after Eid,” he said.

The official was of the opinion that the championship always throw up the talent for the national teams and as such proper time would be given to teams to prepare their outfits.

“Since country’s best crop is expected to compete in the event, we expect all provinces and regions to field the best and competitive outfits after thorough preparations. Hopefully the best hockey would be seen in the mega competition,” the official said.