Canada pull out

Canada have withdrawn from the Hockey World League [Round-2], scheduled to be held in Dhaka from March 4 to 12, on security grounds, confirmed a Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) official yesterday.

Canada, the top-ranked side among the eight participating teams, were placed alongside hosts Bangladesh, Oman and Fiji in Pool A while Pool B features China, Egypt, Ghana and Sri Lanka.

“It is very sad that Canada have withdrawn from the competition on security grounds, which we learnt yesterday [Monday] through the FIH [International Hockey Federation],” BHF general secretary Abdus Sadeque told The Daily Star.

“We are taking this matter to the FIH because we have already given our security plans to them which include security from airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the stadium and security inside the team hotel. One of our vice presidents briefed the FIH on the detailed security plan,” Sadeque said. “The FIH report has mentioned that Bangladesh have efficiently organised the England cricket team's tour. It would have been better had the 12th-ranked team in the world [Canada] would have come.”

Sadeque believes the FIH may replace Canada with another team.