Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 7 (IANS) Argentine coach Pablo Lombi wants the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to hold more tournaments like the Champions Challenge in the soccer mad nation to promote hockey.
Lombi says FIH needs to create an interest among the Argentinians for the game and the best way to do is by hosting international tournaments with better teams.

“The Champions Challenge in Salta last year was a big step. The stadiums were packed and a full house watched the India-Pakistan clash. There is a great following for the sport in Argentina, and the FIH has to make the best of opportunity,” Lombi told IANS after his team pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over New Zealand in the Hockey World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here Sunday.

Being the lowest world ranked team here, at No.14, the Argentinians did well to overpower the eighth-ranked Black Sticks.

“These victories help a lot to boost the popularity of the game back home. Only a few clubs in Buenos Aires play hockey and if the national team does well internationally, we will see more clubs coming up. Hockey is still an amateur sport in Argentina and has a long way to go before catching up with soccer’s popularity,” he said.

Asked what were his expectations from this World Cup, Lombi said: “We want to finish among the top eight in the tournament. It would be a big jump for the boys. I think we have a chance to do that. Our next match is against Canada and we can surely have a favourable result against them.”

Lombi also sounded a warning for other hockey-playing nations.

“Watch out for Argentina at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. We will be different side by then,” he said.

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