No India-Pakistan bilateral series if PHF does not apologise: Hockey India
Hockey India has called for a written apology PHF, without which it will not arrange any India-Pakistan bilateral series.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad had recently alleged that their team was denied participation in the junior World Cup last year in
Pakistani players had taken off their shirts and made obscene gestures at the crowd after winning the semi-final against
"The Pakistan Hockey Federation failed to submit the visa applications for their team 60 days prior to the start of the tournament as per the required deadlines as stipulated in the permissions of the Government of India....Since Pakistan Hockey Federation failed to adhere to the deadlines for the submission of their visa's, Hockey India cannot be blamed for the consequent rejection of invitation by FIH," a statement from Hockey India said.
"FIH also sent numerous reminders for (sic) Pakistan Hockey Federation for the submission of the
RP Singh, Athlete Representative on the Executive Board of Hockey India, said it's a "shame" that PHF has again raised the issue of the misbehaviour of their team as an excuse and opportunity to blame Hockey India for their "own incompetence" that resulted in the Pakistan team not participating in the Junior World Cup 2016.
"In light of this and the perpetual lies told by Pakistan Hockey Federation to blame others for their own inefficiencies, Hockey India has again taken the decision to not play any bilateral series against Pakistan unless they submit an unconditional regret in writing for the lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014 and their habit of telling perpetual lies to media regarding Hockey India."
"We once again reiterate that Pakistan Hockey Federation should learn to take responsibility for their incompetence and stop blaming