India, Malaysia on warpath

Tue, 16 Dec 2003, 00:00 WIB | Source: AFP

NEW DELHI: Frosty hockey relations between India and Malaysia
nose-dived further on Monday over India's decision to field a
near second-string team for next month's Azlan Shah tournament.

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) rested nine senior players,
including Gagan Ajit Singh and Dilip Tirkey, for the seven-nation
invitation tournament in Kuala Lumpur from Jan. 8 - 18.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation has threatened to scratch the
depleted Indian team, saying a second-string team will devalue
the annual tournament.

World champions Germany, Australia, holders Pakistan, South
Korea, Spain and hosts Malaysia are the other teams taking part
in what is regarded as an important build-up for the Athens
Olympics. --AFP

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