Chennai, Dec 6 (PTI) The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is not yet ready to increase the number of teams in the senior men’s World Cup to 24, as it has done for the ongoing junior event, citing a huge gap in performance levels.

For the first time, 24 teams are participating in the Junior World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories, a decision that FIH president Tayyab Ikram said was part of the sport’s development process.

He, however, said he does not foresee an expansion of the senior World Cup from the existing 16 teams to 24 in the near future.

"For the senior World Cup we need to look at different aspects. If you ask me today, we are not ready," Ikram said when queried by the PTI at a press conference here.

"The top nations who are already playing in the FIH Pro Leag

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