The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has opted to cancel one of the men’s Olympic qualifying events for the 2024 Paris Olympics originally slated to be held in Pakistan.
This decision has been prompted by mounting concerns surrounding the lack of cooperation and undue interference in the day-to-day operations of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The PHF recently found itself suspended by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), leading to the mandate for fresh elections just last month.
The suspension, ordered by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his last day in office, received approval from the state-owned PSB and played a pivotal role in the FIH’s verdict.
Back in July, the FIH had announced China, Pakistan, and Spain as hosts for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled from January 13 to 21, 2024. Lahore was chosen as one of the venues for the men’s qualifying matches.
These Olympic qualifiers had generated tremendous excitement, marking the return of a major international sports event to Pakistan after an absence of two decades, the last being the Hockey Champions Trophy in 2004.
Currently, the Pakistan men’s hockey team is gearing up for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, commencing on September 23.
However, the FIH has yet to disclose details about the new host for the withdrawn Olympic qualifiers, leaving Pakistan’s participation in limbo until a new administrative body for the PHF is established.
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