Hockey: NZ side likely to accept invitation to Pakistan

By TERRY MADDAFORD

If anyone had asked Ramesh Patel last week if the New Zealand men would play in December's Champions Trophy in Pakistan he would have said it was unlikely.

Yesterday, Patel, New Zealand Hockey Federation chief executive, remained cautious as he contemplated security concerns, but said the team's participation in the six-team tournament was more likely.

The nation's hockey stocks have risen to heights not seen since the golden days of the mid-1970s, with the men and women now ranked in the world's top six.

At Athens, New Zealand were one of seven countries to have men and women in action. Top-six finishes there now have them as one of four countries to have both teams ranked in the top six.

With that came invitations to play in the Champions Trophy.

The women are off to Argentina for their November 6-14 tournament at the Rosario Jockey Club; the men are scheduled to play from December 4-12 in Lahore.

Defending champions Australia have reservations about playing on the subcontinent and continue to monitor the situation before confirming their entry.

"After speaking to their chief executive, I feel if they had to make a decision today they would probably pull out," Patel said.

"On the other hand, we are probably leaning more towards going. I have spoken to Foreign Affairs and our insurers and will take some guidance from seeing what happens when our Davis Cup tennis team plays there [in Pakistan] this month.

"We will delay our decision as long as possible. Before that we will go to our team and the players individually. Any player deciding not to go would not have that held against him."

Claiming a place among the world's best snaps a 20-year drought for the men, who have not played in the Champions Trophy since 1984.

"For a hockey player, going to Pakistan or India is like a rugby player getting the chance to play for the All Blacks in South Africa," said Patel, who played at the Champions Trophy in 1978-82-84.

"I can understand Australia's attitude given their close ties with the US and Britain. They have played at every Champions Trophy. It would be a big decision for them to pull out."

Patel said he was awaiting further information from the international federation, including the draw.

New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany are set to play in the tournament.

The surprise chance to play at this level could put retirement plans on hold for a number of players.

Captain Simon Towns, Umesh Parag, Dion Gosling and Darren Smith might have contemplated ending their long international careers but be tempted to stay on.

Coach Kevin Towns was also due to step down to devote his time to his new fulltime role as high performance manager (for men and women).

"It would be a big ask to ask the new coach to step in at such short notice," Patel said. "The new coach, if appointed by then, could still go but I see Kevin Towns having a role."

Patel said there had been heightened interest in the job since the Olympics, with applications from Australia and the Netherlands.