Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, on Wednesday, stated that the nationwide males’s staff will journey to Pakistan for qualifiers in case it fails to immediately qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics by successful gold on the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Video games, beginning September 23.

The staff successful the continental occasion gold shall obtain direct berth within the quadrennial extravaganza as per rule however different nations have to play the qualifiers and this time venues recognized are Pakistan and Spain.

“We will probably be making an attempt to get the job carried out in Hangzhou. However, if for some purpose, we fail to qualify, then there are a few venues which were recognized for the qualifiers – Pakistan and Spain. So, wherever it occurs, we will certainly go,” he stated throughout a media interplay on the eve of the event on Wednesday.

Travelling to Pakistan requires authorities clearance and it’s there to be seen what would be the centre’s stance in case scenario calls for that nationwide hockey staff is required to journey to Pakistan to play the qualifiers.

When weighed upon if the gamers have been risking themselves to damage by taking part in Asian Champions Trophy, simply weeks earlier than heading to China, Tirkey stated that one can decide up niggles even throughout coaching or warm-up video games.

“A very powerful factor to notice is that we play apply matches earlier than each main occasion. Do not we now have the concern of getting injured then? So, I believe we must always take this occasion on a optimistic notice as a medium of preparation, and it is usually a aggressive occasion.”

“There’s nonetheless fairly a while, over a month, left for the preparations for the Asian Video games. Accidents can occur even throughout apply matches. So, I do not assume we ought to be too bothered by it and deal with delivering our greatest right here.”

Chennai is witnessing the return of aggressive worldwide hockey for the primary time in 16 years.

When Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports activities Improvement Udhayanidhi Stalin was requested about it, he stated, “One of many major causes was that after the (Males’s) World Cup (earlier this yr), I requested to the Worldwide Hockey Federation (FIH) that we now have an excellent stadium right here and that we wish to carry the worldwide occasion right here. And I wish to thank them.”

Replying to the identical query, Asian Hockey Federation CEO Mohammad Tayyab Ikram got here up with a humorous reply.

“As to why it took so lengthy for Chennai to have worldwide hockey was that we have been ready for this dynamic chief (Udhayanidhi) to come back over to us. And, as to why now’s as a result of he’s right here,” he stated in jest.

Tirkey additionally opened up on the matter and remarked, “For the previous few years, a couple of cities are being developed into high-profile hockey centres, together with Odisha, which has the perfect amenities proper now. Earlier, fairly some Indian cities was prime hockey centres with championship matches and tournaments, which additionally included Chennai.”

“I’ve myself featured in a few of the competitions in Chennai. So, our focus has been on reviving the previous hockey centres of India. Chennai had a number of craze by way of hockey again on the time and we’ll all the time purpose to make issues higher right here with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu authorities.”

Considerations have been as soon as once more raised in regard to the scheduling of the competitors simply 5 weeks earlier than the Hangzhou Video games. Nevertheless, Tayyab opined {that a} month-long time could be sufficient for the groups to arrange for the Asian Video games.

“One month is greater than a month that it is advisable to put together for a contest. And, I say this from a high-performance standpoint that many of the coaches are glad to be part of it. There is just one one that you can not fulfill who has already made different plans.”

“In the event you assume that this Champions Trophy won’t assist, and all these six groups ought to keep at dwelling earlier than the Hangzhou Asian Video games, I am sorry to say that it’ll not occur. A few of these sides will play even after the Champions Trophy, together with some Take a look at matches.”

“So, I believe that is very nicely fitted for the preparation of the Asian Video games. You’re taking part in many of the major rivals and aiming for a greater 2024 (Paris Olympics) qualifying place.”

The present penalty nook rule has been up for debate currently and there have been speculations relating to tweaking the rule a bit.

When requested for the rationale behind it, Tayyab clarified that it was nonetheless in its trial stage and is especially being carried out protecting in thoughts the gamers’ security.

“In the previous few years, we have been advised that the pace of the ball (throughout the present penalty nook system) is a bit uncontrolled. Additionally, contemplating the safety of the gamers and the protecting tools, it’s only a trial. Let this factor go on trial first. However, you’ll not see a shock component on this,” Tayyab stated.