Men’s Asian CT hockey postponed

The Asian Hockey Federation yesterday postponed the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, as well as the Women's Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Donghae, citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Korea, Malaysia and Japan were scheduled to take part in the men's event at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium in Dhaka from March 11.

A statement on AHF's website, which also revealed a tentative date in October, read: "First and foremost, the Asian Hockey Federation puts on record and appreciates the efforts of both the Bangladesh Hockey Federation and the Korea Hockey Association for their extraordinary efforts to secure this event. Unfortunately, the circumstances and ongoing pandemic have forced an unfavorable outcome.

"The decision of the postponement has been a difficult one, and has been made in consultation with the host, the FIH and all participating National Associations. The concern for athletes' safety, health, and welfare is at the forefront of our minds while taking this decision," it stated.

BHF acting general secretary Mohammad Yousuf said that they had not been officially informed about the postponement of the tournament and that the national team's training camp would be postponed after getting an official letter.