deepak pace
DJ_DEE
Karachi: Pakistan's government has stopped the national hockey team taking part in a tournament in India because of security concerns amid the simmering tension between the neighbours over November's militant attacks in Mumbai.
"Until the relations and conditions improve between the two countries, the sports ministry believes it is not feasible to send our sportsmen to India," Sports Minister Aftab Shah Jillani tells Reuters.
Pakistan's decision not to allow the team to take part in this month's four-nation tournament comes two weeks after India called off a cricket tour of Pakistan scheduled for this month.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said it accepted the government's decision.
"We had sought advice and clearance from the sports ministry and we accept their decision. We will try to arrange alternate series with other Asian countries," says PHF chief Qasim Zia.
"Until the relations and conditions improve between the two countries, the sports ministry believes it is not feasible to send our sportsmen to India," Sports Minister Aftab Shah Jillani tells Reuters.
Pakistan's decision not to allow the team to take part in this month's four-nation tournament comes two weeks after India called off a cricket tour of Pakistan scheduled for this month.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said it accepted the government's decision.
"We had sought advice and clearance from the sports ministry and we accept their decision. We will try to arrange alternate series with other Asian countries," says PHF chief Qasim Zia.
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