India and Pakistan have loved an amazing rivalry in hockey. Both groups have an amazing legacy within the sport and they’re each fierce rivals however resulting from political variations, these two groups don’t play usually. They solely play in multi-nation tournaments like Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asia Cup, Asian Champions Trophy, and so forth however not in bilaterals.
The International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) newly appointed president Tayyab Ikram needs to revive the rivalry between the 2 arch rivals.
“In my previous role in Asia that was my top agenda. Now in FIH, it is on my top agenda to convince both countries to play together. It is great for countries and people will really welcome it in Pakistan or India. I think it is an opportunity for all of us for bilateral or we can have some events where both countries are qualified or representing themselves,” mentioned International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram whereas talking to ANI.
These two groups meet one another in multi-nation tournaments however the final time they met one another in bilaterals was approach again in 2006 when Muhammad Saqlain led Pakistan performed Ignace Tirkey led India. Since then these two arch-rivals have by no means performed a bilateral match.
“It is something which you should continue pushing and convincing. We are on this journey and I believe we can always do better in order to achieve this,” mentioned FIH president Tayyab Ikram.
Four-time hockey world champion Pakistan although are a pale shadow of their previous self as they failed two qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 in India and so they additionally did not make it to consecutive Olympics in Rio 2016 and in Tokyo in 2021.
“I am leading 140 countries and for me it is really a priority as Pakistan was the top nation before and now they are at this moment standing in difficulty. We are working closely with them. After the 2010 World Cup in Delhi we launched the Hockey India programme and I was very privileged to be a part of it and this can also be done in Pakistan which is really a requirement for us. It is a pressing need for Asia and global hockey,” mentioned Tayyab Ikram.
The FIH president is amazed with the way in which this ongoing Hockey World Cup is being hosted in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. The amenities and infrastructure have been world class.
“As a President of the FIH I am delighted to see the Hockey World Cup being played in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. It is a great experience for our athletes and that is the most important thing for us. We had fantastic feedback from our athletes. They are so delighted to be back in Bhubaneswar and for having this wonderful infrastructure, two stadiums in Bhubaneswar and the new one in Rourkela. It is an addition to our hockey infrastructure,” mentioned Tayyab Ikram.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2018 was held in Bhubaneswar however this 12 months Rourkela can be internet hosting World Cup matches and the newly constructed Birsa Munda Stadium has the best seating capability for spectators on the planet.
“Rourkela stadium from many angles if you see. It is a state of the art facility. Athletes have the best accessibility to enter the arena and particularly for fans and spectators. It is built in the smart way that fans feel that they are very close to the action. So, that is a very successful achievement Rourkela is presenting. We are very delighted and of course about the local fans and community. I think they are super happy to have action in their city. We see that because of hockey, because of that infrastructure there is a very significant change and transformation in hockey. We value it a lot,” defined Tayyab Ikram.
India hockey crew misplaced to New Zealand within the cross-over match 4-5 in shootout on the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar. This defeat meant that India was out of the race for a podium end however regardless of that followers got here in giant numbers to look at and benefit from the sport as followers got here in large numbers to look at the match.
“This is very unique, which you see. It is not about non India matches or India matches. The way the local community in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela appreciates. They are not watching as spectators, they are feeling it. So, that tells you the story that they have come to watch those skills, those executions. No matter whose playing and that concludes the crowd in Rourkela had a packed stadium,” mentioned Tayyab Ikram.
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