Former captain national hockey team Shahbaz Ahmed has pleaded with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to give recognition to World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament in India as it is promoting the game. "I would request FIH to recognise and support it (WSH) because it is promoting hockey. It is not damaging the sport. The players are getting both recognition and popularity," Indian daily Times of India quoted Shahbaz, as saying on Sunday.
Hailing the series as a great initiative, the former Pakistani ace, who is in India these days in connection with the tournament, said, "it also lets players make some money on the lines of cricket".
He was of the opinion that the multi-million dollar World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament could provide a much-needed boost to the sport in India. "WSH will encourage youngsters to play hockey. If you increase quantity then it is easier to find quality also. It will give boost to Indian hockey.
Shahbaz, a two-time Man of the Tournament in the World Cups of 1990 in Lahore and 1994 in Sydney where Pakistan clinched the gold, said he did not see the possibility of the senior Pakistan players facing a ban due to their participation in the WSH. Top Pakistan players like Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi, Zeeshan Ashraf,Mohammad Imran, Waseem Ahmed and Imran Warsi are taking part in the ongoing WSH.
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