The International Hockey Federation (FIH), has welcomed the return of international hockey to Pakistan and looks forward to a successful holding of the Champions Trophy in December, said FIH President, Else Van Breda here Sunday.
In an interview she said, "for us it is a heartening sign that finally top class hockey is back to Pakistan, which has a strong reputation of holding world's best hockey events in the past."
She said Pakistan was deprived of elite hockey activities owing to security concerns during the past five years and finally the stage has come when it would once again be focus of attention all around the globe for staging a prestigious event.
"For us it is a matter of satisfaction that Pakistan is all set to hold the event in a befitting manner she said and added we know the progress they are making to hold it "
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is up dating us regarding the renovation and up-graduation of facilities being carried out at Lahore's famous National Stadium where the event will be played," she said.
The FIH chief said the holding of Champions Trophy will serve the cause, of hockey in Pakistan and it would give new identity to hockey. "Such events are beneficial for the entire region (Asia) and they are in a way a support and help to further promote hockey" she observed.
She said FIH is confident that Pakistan will definitely stage the Champions Trophy as the security conditions have improved and a number of other international sports events were played in the recent past.
"For FIH security is no concern and it is the respective governments of the participating teams which have to decide about it. As far as FIH is concerned, we feel at the moment the security is good for holding the Champions Trophy," she said.
The FIH President said she believes that Pakistan government would be making top security for the successful holding of the Champions Trophy, the way it (Government) did during a number of other international events held in the recent parts.
Els Van Breda said FIH is delighted to see that Pakistan and India would be playing in a hockey series ahead of the Champions Trophy. "Both the hockey federations have excellent relations and with the restoration of series, hockey will further develop in sub-continent," she said.
She said FIH has a sole objective of promoting hockey and this task can only be achieved when all the countries supplement the efforts of games ruling body.