India bid for 2002 Champions Trophy

India have made a bid to host the six-nation Champions Trophy field hockey tournament after Belgium withdrew as host due to sponsorship problems, an Indian Hockey Federation official said on Tuesday.

"We understand Belgium have withdrawn due to lack of sponsorship. We have already sent our offer," IHF secretary K. Jothikumaran said.

He said Pakistan, who host this year's tournament in November, may also make a bid for the event.

The International Hockey Federation Congress, which meets in Brussels on April 21, will decide on the issue, he said.

Jothikumaran said he does not think there would be any problem with Pakistan visiting if India are awarded the tournament.

"It is a six-nation tournament. It is the most prestigious apart from the Olympics and World championships. I am sure they (the Indian government) will clear it," he said.

Relations between the two neighbours have been strained because of continuing political tensions over the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.

The Indian government cancelled a proposed Test tour of the country's cricket team to Pakistan late last year and earlier this month ruled out participation in a one-day tournament in Sharjah because Pakistan were competing.

Pakistan reacted by saying they would ban cricketing relations with their neighbour altogether.

The Pakistan table tennis team also pulled out of an ongoing Commonwealth championships in the Indian capital, blaming Indian officials for a late invitation.

However, the hockey teams recently played against each other in a tournament in Dhaka where India defeated Pakistan in the final.

"We played each other in Dhaka. Hockey matches can be played," he said.

The IHF secretary also said that a three or four-nation tournament involving both teams will be organised in Dubai.

"In Dhaka I spoke to the Pakistan secretary. We will play there most likely in early 2002, before the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

The World Cup is planned to be held in March next year.

The Dubai tournament had been scheduled to be held this year, but Jothikumaran said facilities had not been completed yet.