Pakistan Seeks NOC for Hockey Team’s Participation in Asian Champions Trophy in India.
Haider Hussain, Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has disclosed that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has been approached to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) allowing the national hockey team to compete in the Asian Champions Trophy held in India. The tournament will feature six teams and will take place in Chennai from August 3-12.
Hussain confirmed the submission of the NOC request to the PSB and informed that the entry has also been sent to the Asian Hockey Federation.
Highlighting the significance of Pakistan’s participation in the Asian Champions Trophy, Hussain mentioned potential fines and the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. However, he expressed concern about financial constraints and expressed efforts to resolve the issue with government and private sector assistance.
In related news, the training camp for the Pakistan junior hockey team has resumed in Lahore, marking the final phase of preparation for the Junior Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in Oman. The camp will include trials and practice matches against senior players or strong departmental teams.
The Junior Asia Cup, scheduled from May 23 to June 1, serves as the qualifying round for the Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, with the top three teams securing qualification.
Pakistan’s matches in the Junior Asia Cup will be against Chinese Taipei, Thailand, India, and Japan on May 23, 24, 27, and 29 respectively.