The Indian hockey team pulled out of the prestigious Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Malaysia after the government denied it permission to make the trip, citing the recent harassment of its IT professionals in that country, a top Indian Hockey Federation official said.

The decision was conveyed to the IHF shortly before the team's departure for the invitational six-nation tournament, to be held at Ipoh from March 22 to 30.

IHF chief K P S Gill said the decision was taken by the External Affairs Ministry in consultation with the Sports Ministry.

"We respect the decision of the government. It is a policy decision taken in the larger interest of the country," Gill said.

"We totally agree with the government. At the same time, we will request the government to arrange for an alternative tournament for our team," he added.

The IHF had announced an 18-member squad, led by veteran Dhanraj Pillay, for the tournament, which also features arch-rivals Pakistan.

Gill hoped that the last-minute withdrawal would not have adverse financial implication on the IHF.

"It is an invitational tournament and our participation was based on mutual understanding," he said.

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