Indian hockey legend Zafar Iqbal on Thursday pitched for Pakistan gamers to be allowed to compete within the Hockey India League (HIL), which is being revived after an opening of 7 years. HIL is ready to go back in a brand new avatar subsequent yr or in early 2025 with Hockey India surroundings its points of interest on reviving the franchise-based league. The HIL, which used to be suspended in 2017 because of monetary problems and non-cooperation from crew house owners, is predicted to be held after the Paris Olympics and can function an match for the ladies as neatly for the primary time.
Zafar, a member of the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal-winning hockey crew, stated at the sidelines of the disclosing of the glittering Asian Champions Trophy (August 3-12 in Chennai) on the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium that there used to be additionally no hurt in reviving the India-Pakistan hockey Test sequence, which used to be hung on a home-and-away foundation until 2006.
HI has asked the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a window to habits the HIL subsequent yr and is expecting a reaction from the sector frame. Asked, when a contemporary starting used to be being made, should not Pakistan gamers be allowed in HIL, Zafar stated, “Yes. I think, in sports, there should not be any politics.”
Nine Pakistani gamers have been a part of the primary version of HIL in 2013 however needed to go away the rustic ahead of the beginning of the match following protests from a couple of political organisations. But after that, no Pakistan participant used to be incorporated until the match used to be discontinued in 2017. Asked if the standard India-Pakistan hockey Tests must even be revived, he stated, “I think so because there is hardly anything (differences among players). This is the political issue.
“How a long way I’m true or no longer however the reality is that during sports activities we must no longer differentiate,” said the 67-year-old hockey great, who was also a member of the two silver medal-winning sides at the Asian Games in 1978 Bangkok and 1982 Delhi.
Asked if he was all for Pakistan players to come to India, he said: “Yes, as a result of other people of our nation additionally wish to see how they’re enjoying and the way they examine with our crew. Because, in the end, Pakistan used to be part of India ahead of, for sure about it.”
Zafar also said that Indian hockey players should also play in Pakistan. “I’m certain they (Pakistan gamers) must be invited; they must play right here and we must play there additionally. That barrier must no longer be (there), however (once more) I have no idea in regards to the political scenario. It depends upon the Government of India the way it takes it, however so far as gamers are involved there must be no obstacles,” he added.
Hockey India president and the senior team’s former skipper Dilip Tirkey, when asked if his federation would open the doors for Pakistan players in HIL, said, “We will speak about the problem. Our committee will planned and make a decision on it.”
Asked for his personal opinion, he said, “There are lot of items which (want to be looked after)”.