Hockey: NZ pull out of Indian tournament

New Zealand have pulled out of a four-nations women's hockey tournament in India after it was shifted to later in the year.

The tournament, also involving Canada and Azherbaijan, was scheduled to start on April 25 but was moved to September for security reasons. Organisers didn't want the tournament to clash with elections being held at that time.

The new dates didn't suit New Zealand as it clashes with the national league. Also, the Black Sticks will contest the Oceania Cup tournament in New Zealand ending on August 30.

Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said they were already considering the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament for safety reasons and held a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue.

Today's rescheduling took the decision out of their hands.

- NZPA