Japan pull out

Japan pulled out of the upcoming Under-18 Asia Cup citing security reasons, confirmed a Bangladesh Hockey Federation official yesterday.

The 4th U-18 AFC Cup involving eight nations is scheduled to be held here from September 24 but the withdrawal of Japan means now seven teams, split into two groups, will be competing.

“Two to three days ago we received a letter from Japan Hockey Federation which stated that they would not be able to take part in the U-18 Asia Cup following the death of seven Japanese citizens in Dhaka,” said BHF joint secretary Anvir Adil, adding that the matter was raised before the ministerial meeting yesterday.

The remaining participating teams are India, Oman, Pakistan, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and hosts Bangladesh.