Indo-Pak hockey series on the cards

The India and Pakistan hockey teams are expected to play a bilateral series next month, but the five-match series --- to be played at different venues across the country --- is subject to government approval.

The India and Pakistan hockey teams are expected to play a bilateral series next month, but the five-match series --- to be played at different venues across the country --- is subject to government approval.

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Hockey India (HI) secretary-general, Narinder Batra, said that the secretary, sports ministry, had given his nod, but the clearance from the home and external affairs ministry was awaited. “We have sent the details of the series to the concerned ministries,” he said, adding, “Hopeful-ly, the approval will come."

If things go as planned, the series on the Indian side would commence on April 5. Apart from Ranchi, the other venues for the 10-day competition include New Delhi and Lucknow. In Pakistan, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Karachi are likely to host the mat-ches between Apr 23 and May 2.

Asif Bajwa, secretary, Pakistan Hockey Federation, is looking forward to the competition, which will resume after a gap of six years. "Competition between two nations always generate interest," he told HT from Pakistan.