New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS): Hockey India on Saturday directed the All India Police Sports Control Board to withdraw the participation of the Punjab Police team and J&K Police Jammu immediately from the on-going 68th All India Police Hockey Championship (AIPHC) 2019 in Bhubaneswar following the vacation of the stay order by City Judge, Jammu.

Earlier this month, the Hockey India disciplinary committee had banned Punjab Armed Police, Jalandhar and J&K Police Hockey Team from participating in any of the All India Tournaments for a period of three months following their participation in an unsanctioned event Sarbat Daa Bhalaa Hockey Tournament.

Punjab Police, who were involved in an on-field brawl during the Final of the Nehru Cup Hockey Tournament in New Delhi, were suspended further for a period of three months with effect from 10 March 2020 to 9 June 2020 (following the expiry of their suspension due to participation in the unsanctioned Sarbat Daa Bhalaa Hockey Tournament).

Following the court order on Saturday, the Governing Body for Hockey in India stated: "Hockey India has written to the Secretary of the All India Police Sports Control Board to direct Punjab Police and J&K Police to immediately withdraw from the on-going 68th All India Police Hockey Championship 2019 in Bhubaneswar. Hockey India had filed an application before the Court of Principal District Judge, Jammu appealing for vacating the stay order dated 12.12.2019 of above Court of City Judge which allowed these two teams to take part in the tournament."

"The Court of Principal District Judge, Jammu vide its order dated 18.12.2019 remanded the matter to the City Judge for hearing the matter on 19.12.2019. The City Judge after hearing the matter on 19.12.2019 and 20.12.2019 has passed an order dated 21.12.2019 vacating his earlier stay order dated 12.12.2019," it added.