Dubai may host international hockey events

Dubai may host an international hockey event and also an India-Pakistan hockey series next year, according to a senior official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

Secretary Asif Bajwa said PHF plans to organise an international-level hockey league in Dubai next year.

“We are sorting out the necessary modalities to stage a world-class event which will feature foreign players as well as local (Pakistani) talent,” Bajwa was quoted as saying by Pakistani news agency APP.

All participating teams in the World PHF Super League will be required to include six foreign players from various hockey-playing nations, in order to keep the teams equally balanced.

“The participation of foreign players will make the competition thrilling and competitive,” the former Olympian added.

The event is set to be organised at the Dubai Sports City International Hockey Stadium, which can accommodate up to 7,000 spectators.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is currently discussing the idea with several hockey-playing nations and has requested them to send their players for the proposed international-level tournament.

Bajwa hoped that the now suspended Pakistan-India hockey series will be revived next year as both the hockey federations are keen on organising the bilateral series again.

“We have been working on different options and we may have this event in Dubai, Malaysia, Doha or at either team’s home venues,” he said