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The pressure by the Europeans to introduce composite sticks has once again put the issue on top of the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Rules Board agenda. In the meeting to be held in Brussels from February 25-26, the composite sticks issue is expected to raise the hackles of Asian nations. Pakistan's Brigadier Atif, a member of the Rules Board, expressed surprise over the fact this issue has once again taken centrestage.
``The Europeans are out to force changes that suit them. But we are going to fight it," he said. The introduction of composite sticks will threaten the game in the two countries, which are already trying hard to arrest the decline in their national sport. Composite sticks are more expensive and will not only ruin the sports-goods industry in the two countries, but will discourage youngsters from weaker sections of the society from taking to the game.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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