JEDDAH, 8 September 2007 — Former Pakistan manager Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has urged the international hockey federation (FIH) to persuade Australia and South Korea to take part in the forthcoming Champions Trophy in Lahore in December.
Shahnaz, station manager of PIA here, said in a statement yesterday: “It is most unfortunate that Australia and South Korea have decided to keep away from the Champions Trophy in Lahore. This will further hamper the game which has already seen falling of standards and erosion of interest in the game in the sub-continent.” The FIH has been taking special interest to revive the game in the region and can exert pressure on these countries to take part in the prestigious event, he said.
Shahnaz also called upon Australia and South Korea to reconsider their decision in the larger interest of the game.
