India, Malaysia on warpath

Tue, 16 Dec 2003 | 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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