Pak Hockey Federation disappointed over India's refusal to play tournament in country

Lahore, Apr 5(ANI): The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has expressed disappointment after India refused to play a hockey tournament in Pakistan that the former had hoped could revive sporting ties between both sides.

PHF secretary general Mohammad Asif Bajwa said the federation was informed that the government in New Delhi had blocked the visit, The Daily Times reports.

"It is very disappointing that India has refused to send their team, terming the current situation not conducive for the tour," Bajwa was quoted as saying.

The PHF had hoped India's participation, alongside Pakistan and Malaysia, in the tournament at the National Hockey Stadium between April 9 and 13 could have been the first step towards reviving the bilateral hockey series that have been stalled since 2006.

"We had made top-level security arrangements for the event and had thought that the event would give a new fillip to Indo-Pak hockey as both countries are also participating in London Olympics 2012, but everything is spoiled," added Bajwa.

India had suspended all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 killed 166 people. (ANI)