Forward move for Indo-Pak hockey

After a gap of more than three years, it seems the much-awaited hockey series between India-Pakistan will be revived. In case the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) gets the nod from the government the two Asian giants will play a three-Test series at Singapore in February.

The IHF has already received confirmation from their Pakistan counterparts but the all-important go ahead from the Ministry of External Affairs and Sports Ministry is awaited.

However, reports in the Pakistani media state that the Indian hockey body has already got clearance from the government but IHF chief KPS Gill said on Friday that the series is still at the planning stage. ‘‘It needs to progress from here and I will be talking to the Foreign Minister and the Sports Minister for clearance,’’ Gill told The Indian Express.

The last Test series between the two countries was a home-and-away double leg affair played in 1999. Due to the political tension between the neighbours sporting ties have been ruptured. In the last three years, the two teams have played each other in multi-national events on four occasions at neutral venues. The Indians have won on three occasions — including the Dhaka Gold Cup final in 2000, this year’s Asian Games semifinals. They also beat Pakistan in the league match of the Champions Trophy at Cologne but lost to them in the bronze playoff.

Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Brigadier Musarrat Ullah Khan has been quoted in their media that he had received a confirmation for the Singapore series from Gill. However, the IHF chief said that ‘‘it’s early days since the government clearance is vital’’

The Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted at the end of this year in Pakistan also seems to be a non-starter. On being asked if India was keen to host the prestigious tournament, Gill said ‘‘It (the issue) will be decided at the forthcoming meeting of the Asian Hockey Federation in Kuala Lumpur.’’

In fact, interest around reviving India-Pakistan exchanges in hockey got a shot in thr arm after the classic Champions Trophy encounter in Cologne. Experts called it the best match played in recent times. The Indian team has just finished a hectic itinerary that ended with their Asian Games campiagn. India is next scheduled to participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy to be held at Ipoh (Malaysia). But Gill said that ‘‘we are planning some more events before that. But it’s too early to talk about these plans.’’

Former Indian captain Jude Felix who is coaching in Singapore has also expressed hope of organising a tournament there with India, Pakistan and Malaysia besides the hosts.

Gill said ‘‘This (Felix) tournament is different from the Test series. But, generally the interest is around watching India and Pakistan play against each other.’’