The Asian Hockey Federation will
look towards introducing the video referral technology in major competitions in
Asia beginning 2014.
In revealing this, AHF Secretary
General Tan Sri P. Alagendra said that logistic and financial constraints had
made it difficult for such equipment to be provided for the ongoing Asia Cup.
Nonerheless Alagendra admitted that
technology plays an important part in the development of the sport and hence
the emphasis of having the referral video could see it making its debut in
Asian tournaments next year.
“It was considered for the Asia
Cup but the hosts were not able to provide such a facility after having
discussed the matter with the host broadcasters,” said Alagendra.
“While we understand the feelings
of the teams, much must be taken into consideration, like the financial
implications as well as it is not cheap.
“Still the AHF will strive
towards introducing this in our major events from next year.”
On the issue with regards not
implementing the 45 second penalty corner rule and the stick above the
shoulder, Alagendra said that they had written to the International Hockey
Federation (FIH) seeking exemption to applying the regulations in the asia Cup.
“The FIH granted our request and
it was done so that it does not favour any team as not all have played under
the rule which was only introduced in June this year for the World League,”
clarified Alagendra.
However he was non committal on
whether the regulations and the video referral will be introduced at the
forthcoming AHF Champions trophy o be held in Japan from the 1st to
9th November.
