Expressing disappointment over losing the bid for men’s Champions Trophy to Malaysia, the Indian Hockey Federation on Friday said allotting the tournament to the Asian champions would have enhanced the game’s status.
“We are disappointed not to get the tournament. We regret not being able to hold the meet after the successful conduct of Asia Cup,” IHF secretary K Jothikumaran said on Friday.
“International Hockey Federation observer Bob Davidzson had given a very good report about the Asia Cup. The euphoria was created due to commendable performance of the Indian team. The potential sponsors are now eager to come. There is total transformation but the advantage could not be taken,” he rued.
Jothikumaran said the staging of Champions Trophy in India could have lifted the game’s status. “We lost an opportunity to sustain the momentum created by the Asia Cup. It would have enhanced the game as a whole,” he said.
