The International Hockey Federation has withdrawn hosting the Olympics qualifying round from Pakistan due to differences in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The FIH has informed the Pakistan Hockey Federation about the decision through a letter.
Sources said that the Pakistan Sports Board’s interference in the affairs of PHF was also one of the reasons for the FIH decision.
Sources further said that continual criticism of the hockey federation by former Olympians also dealt a blow to the hosting.
FIH, giving the reason for its decision wrote in the letter that due to uncertainty in and around PHF withdrawing hosting currently, PHF is not in a position to host these events.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan was hosting the Olympics qualifying round for the first time.
Eight foreign teams were to participate in the qualifying round.
The Olympics hockey qualifying round was to be held from 13 to 21 January 2024 in Lahore.
Reportedly, a few days ago, the Pakistan Sports Board suspended all PHF officials in light of the recommendations of the former Prime Minister.
