ISLAMABAD: The International Hockey Federation has pulled out one of the men’s Olympic qualifier events for the 2024 Paris Olympics from Pakistan.
The growing concern over non-cooperation and undue interference in the daily operations of the Pakistan Hockey Federation reportedly became the main reason for this decision.
It is to be noted that the PHF had recently faced suspension by the Pakistan Sports Board, which subsequently mandated fresh elections in August.
This suspension came into immediate effect on the orders of ex-prime minister Shahbaz Sharif, who issued the decree on his final day in office.
The suspension of the national hockey governing body, sanctioned by the state-owned institution, the Pakistan Sports Board, has played an important role in the international body’s decision.
Hosts of FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers
In a prior announcement made in July, the FIH had disclosed that Pakistan, China, and Spain were chosen to host the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, set to unfold between 13 and 21 January 2024.
These Olympic qualifiers were highly anticipated, marking the return of a big international sporting event to the country after an absence of two decades, with the last major event being the Hockey Champions Trophy in 2004.
Currently, the Pakistan men’s hockey team is gearing up to take part in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, starting from 23 September.
As of now, FIH has not provided details about the new host for the withdrawn Olympic qualifiers. The fate of Pakistan’s participation is still uncertain, pending the formation of a new administrative body for the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
