Players' safety is paramount, says world body chief Ikram; no plans to revive Champions Trophy
ROURKELA: Players' safety first is FIH's approach as the hockey governing body continues to review penalty corners. With injuries raising concerns about the element which has enthralled over the years, it continues to be under the scanner. Last year, the rules were tweaked.
Earlier, players defending penalty corners had to remove their protective face gears immediately inside the circle once the flick was executed, but the new rule allows defenders to wear the protective gear within the 23-metre area.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram on Sunday said, "At the moment, it (reviewing penalty corners) is under study. For us, the first thing is athletes' safety and we are working on it. We are also going to start some experiments. The key things are the high-intensity, speed of the ball and skill development on drag flick and the speed it produces. We are discussing how we can get better without increasing time but giving a little bit more time for defenders to react."
When concerns were raised on the rapid decline of Pakistan hockey, Ikram said a cue should be taken from India. Over the past few years, it has been a freefall for the once-dominant force in hockey. Pakistan, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, are currently ranked 17th.
"Pakistan is an important stakeholder. If you see in recent tournaments, the world's best (hockey) property is the India-Pakistan match. There is always assistance from the global governing body. I will be happy to launch a project for Pakistan as well, but there must be some willingness from both sides that they can come to this journey. "
'Pakístan can follow Indian model'
"We don't have to go too far. You don't need to really follow very different models, just follow the model that Hockey India did, consistent approach, professional approach, high performance input for their athletes, for which they have been thirsty for decades. Change the whole landscape, change the mindset, and you go for it. India won the Olympics bronze medal in Tokyo. It didn't happen in two days' time, so that is the way. We have a great experience, so share the best practice if you are willing to take (that route)," added the Macau-based official.
The FIH top official also ruled out the return of Champions Trophy hockey. The focus will continue to be on the Nations Cup.
