NEW DELHI: Shouting anti-Pakistan slogans, two supporters from Hindu Yuwak Sabha attempted to invade the turf at the National Stadium, the venue where the opening Hockey India League match between Delhi Waveriders and Punjab Warriors was on.

However, the incident which occurred in the 27th minute of the first half failed to deter the players from going ahead with the match.

The two activists of youth wing of Hindu Sena, after the Shiv Sena on Sunday stopped the training session of the Mumbai Magicians which has five Pakistani players in its roster, were overpowered by the security officials and dragged out of the venue.

In the wake of mounting tension over Pakistan army killing two Indian soldiers, beheading one of them, Shiv Sena has demanded that all the Pakistan players in the HIL should be sent back.

The incident however was a big embarrassment for the HIL organizers as no one was able to explain as to how the security breach happened.

The two young men in their mid-20’s entered the sidelines through the far end gate of the Dhyan Chand Stadium uninterrupted and suddenly raced towards the Waveriders dug-out shouting anti-Pakistan slogans.

Suddenly, one of the youth activists took out a paper from his pocket in which it was written, “Shaheed Hemraj ka sar wapas karo, Pakistan se sabhi sambandh samapt karo” (Return late Hemraj’s head and end all ties with Pakistan).

Earlier, fearing escalation of protests by Shiv Sainiks, the Delhi Waveriders and Jaypee Punjab Warriors today decided against fielding their Pakistani recruits in the opening match of the inaugural Hockey India League here.

While the Delhi Waveriders have two Pakistani players – Muhammad Rizwan Sr and Muhammad Rizwan Sr – in their outfit, there is only one Pakistani — Kashif Shah – in Punjab Warriors’ team.

When contacted both Hockey India and officials of the two teams they were unavailable for comment.

The development has put the participation of nine Pakistani players in the HIL in serious doubts.

The Delhi Waveriders and Punjab Warriors’ move is a clear indication of the fact that the HIL organisers and teams are in no mood to take any chances as far as playing Pakistani players are concerned.

Rashid Mehmood, Fareed Ahmed, Imran Butt and Mohammad Tauseeq are the fours players in the Mumbai team, while the other five are Mohammed Rizwan Jr, Mohammed Rizwan Sr (Delhi Wave Riders), Kashif Shah (Punjab Warriors), Muhammed Irfan and Shafqat Rasool (Ranchi Rhinos).