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Atif supports four slots for Asia in Jr World Cup

International Hockey Federation senior vice-president, Brigadier General (rtd) M.H. Atif said today he agrees that Asia should get four places in next year's Junior World Cup.

Atif, who is also the secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Association, added he backs the Asian Hockey Federation's decision to ask the FIH for one more ticket to the World Cup.

Atif, who is also the Pakistan Hockey Association secretary, said that that if Europe were to get six slots in the 16-team tournament, then it is logical than Asia get four tickets.

"Europe have 43 affiliates in the FIH while Asia only have 32. Based on this, Europe are likely to get more places than us," he said.

"However, I think we should get four and not the three which we are now due to get. If Europe do get six and Asia four, then I think the Pan-American and African regions might get two tickets each while Oceania will likely get two - including Australia as host."

However nothing has been confirmed as yet and only the champions of each continent are assured of a place in the Junior World Cup, which will be held in Hobart next May.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the AHF have even asked that the fifth placed team in the on-going Junior Asia Cup receive a playoff berth.

According to an official, Asia want the the top four countries to earn an automatic ticket to Hobart and the fifth placed team to fight it out with either an European or an African team for the last ticket to the World Cup.

This is assuming that the FIH's allocation of the berths are as follows - six for Europe, four for Asia, two Pan-American and one for Africa.

Ocenia will get two berths, simply because Australia are host and FIH want another representative at the World Cup.

An alternative is for the Oceanic champion to play in the playoffs with the fifth placed Asian team and give Africa two berths.

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com