Bhubaneswar: The International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) all-play-quarterfinal format in eight-nation tournaments, including the ongoing Hockey World League Finals (HWLF), might not have been liked by all the teams but the world body is no mood to tweak it.
Olympic silver medallists and World no. 3 Belgium lost to India in the quarterfinals here despite maintaining an all-win record in the pool stages. But the FIH says that the all-play-quarterfinal format is here to stay as it keeps a tournament alive till the very end.
“I don’t agree that the current (all-play-quarterfinal) format is flawed. There are some people who are criticising it but this format gives a level playing field to all teams. This format keeps all the teams in fray till the last day,” FIH president Narinder Batra stated Saturday.
“I agree we need to keep bringing in new innovations but I am a firm supporter of this format. Whoever has designed this format has to be commended,” he added.
The best thing about the format is that it allows all teams a second chance. Both Olympic champions Argentina and India were unimpressive to say the least in their pool stages here but they came good in the quarterfinals to qualify for the last four stage. In fact, the Los Leones went on to reach the title clash round after eking out a close 1-0 win over the hosts in their semifinal, Friday.,
FIH CEO Jason McCracken agreed with his president and said that the world body doesn’t have any plans to change the format. “I think this format is absolutely right for the game as it keeps the tournament alive, keeps all the teams involved. I know some of the coaches don’t like it but I say to those coaches that ‘win all your games and you will win the gold’,” he stated.
Press Trust of India
