Islahuddin wants bilateral ties to arrest Pakistan's slide

World Cup winning Pakistan captain Islahuddin Siddiqui today called for resumption of bilateral ties with India to arrest the sliding fortunes of their field hockey team.
The three-time Olympic gold medallists have for the first time failed to qualify for the mega event, and Islahuddin said the two nations must put aside their rivalry and "unite in competition" to rise ahead.
"We must keep in mind that our fight is not against each other. Our fight is rather against Australia and European nationals. The more we play together and unite, the better it would be for the sport," the former Pakistan captain under whom they completed a treble in 1978 winning the World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asian Games, told PTI today.

Four-time world champions, Pakistan had finished a distant eighth in the World Hockey League in Antwerp, Belgium last year that had created a furore back home.
"Hockey is in our blood and the sport won't die in Pakistan. We've taken up various development programmes at junior level and you will see a different Pakistan in two years' time," the former right winger added.
At present, India play against Pakistan in tournaments and events organised by the FIH as the relations between both the teams turned sour after obscene gestures were made by some of their players following their Champions Trophy semifinal win in December 2014 in Bhubaneswar.

Hockey India had demanded an apology from Pakistan for the incident and also wanted an undertaking assuring they would reprimand players if they repeat their antics in future.

"The chapter is now closed and the issue is resolved," Siddiqui, who was the chief selector then, said.
"We've come here to the South Asian Games with a message of peace and solidarity. Not only in hockey but I believe India should consider resuming ties in cricket too.
"There is no problem about safety issues in Pakistan. Security is a concern all over the world. If we could come to Guwahati and Shillong with such a big delegation why should there be a problem for India to travel to Pakistan," he said.

"It's the people who choose the government and people of both the countries want to play against each there. Then why bring politics to sport?" he asked.
Here in India as the Chef de Mission of Pakistan contingent, he said some of their medal hopes were dashed after 10 sportspersons could not get visa.
Sri Lanka have overtaken the previous edition's runners-up Pakistan in the medals tally and they're likely to finish third in this edition of the regional showpiece event.
"Let's not talk about the past, we could have done better but we have won the hockey title (beating India) and I'm too happy for the boys. It was not a full-strength side and we did well. I want to thank India, especially (SAI chief) Injeti Srinivas for making it memorable," he signed off.