September 13 - New Zealand has been chosen to stage this year's Champions Trophy after a late bid from India to remain as hosts failed, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced today.
The FIH stripped India of the event last week because of problems in the sport's administration in India.
"It is always tough to move an event out of any country, but I have to say that the silver lining is the bid from New Zealand," FIH President Leandro Negre.
"New Zealand will put on a first-rate Champions Trophy and has been extremely flexible and professional given the tough circumstances and tight timeline.
"I know that they will do an excellent job hosting the event."
India will also lose their automatic spot in the eight-team event as the hosts and will have to play in November's Champions Challenge in South Africa to qualify for the tournament in Auckland, which is due to take place between December 3 and 11.
The decision to move the event to New Zealand means that they will now take part in the tournament.
New Zealand were chosen to replace India after Ken Read, the chairman of the FIH Competitions Committee visted the country.
"After seeing the facilities and infrastructure first hand I am very confident that Hockey New Zealand is prepared to host a great event for the athletes and supporters," said the Australian.
Hosting the event is a massive bonus for New Zealand.
"It is a privilege to be hosting this event. We have been overwhelmed by how quickly our key partners have come together to offer support to ensure this is a truly fantastic event," said Hilary Poole, the chief executive of Hockey New Zealand.
"We have the structure in place and with work already underway, we are confident that we can deliver a world-class event in a short timeframe."
The FIH rejected the Indian Sports Ministry-brokered peace agreement between rival factions Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), saying there could not be more than one federation running the game.
The IHF was disbanded in 2008 after its secretary was caught on camera taking a bribe to select a player before being revived by a court order last year.
FIH backs HI and rejected the Sports Ministry-conceived formula of allowing a joint Executive Committee, comprising members from both factions, to run the sport.
India has also been warned that it will lose the rights to host the London 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament next year unless the situation is resolved swiftly.
"All the meetings were positive but we made it clear that what FIH wants is a single body for hockey in the country," said Kelly Fairweather, the chief executive of the FIH.
Negre made it clear that the FIH would only recognise Hockey India.
"It is up to the Government and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to sort out the issue," he said.
"It has to be done very soon."
Source: www.insidethegames.biz
By Duncan Mackay