M A I N   N E W S

India pull out of Azlan Shah hockey

New Delhi, March 17
India today pulled out of the prestigious Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament in Malaysia in the wake of the recent ill-treatment of Indian IT professionals in that country.

“Keeping in mind the recent developments in Malaysia, the government feels that the situation there is not conducive for the Indian team to go and play the tournament,” Sports Minister Vikram Verma told PTI here.

Over 200 Indian IT professionals, working in Malaysia, were harassed and their passports tampered with last Sunday by local police who alleged that all of them were illegal immigrants.

Malaysia later expressed regret over the ill-treatment and announced an inquiry into the incident after India lodged a strong protest. 

Mr Verma said he received a communication from the Ministry of External Affairs in this regard which he subsequently forwarded to the International Hockey Federation for further action.

The 18-member Indian team led by veteran Dhanraj Pillay was to leave for Ipoh, Malaysia, tonight to participate in the six-nation invitational tournament starting on March 22 and also featuring arch-rivals Pakistan.

IHF chief K.P.S. Gill said the federation respected the government’s decision.

“We respect the decision of the government. It is a policy decision taken in the larger interest of the country. We totally agree with the government,” Mr Gill said. PTI