Hindustan Times:

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Monday cleared any doubt over India hosting the men’s World Cup next year and said Malaysia was no longer the back-up venue for the mega event starting in New Delhi from March 7.

“Forget it now. Shifting the event to Malaysia was a plan B which we always have to keep prepared in case of any eventuality. But now that’s over, there is no need of any plan B,” FIH President Leandro Negre told reporters in New Delhi.

“At this moment everything is going on schedule so there is nothing to worry about. I am very happy with how the things are going on, I am happy with the progress made by Hockey India,” Negre said.

The FIH President, however, reminded Hockey India officials that as per the the constitution of the world body, conducting democratic elections within the stipulated six month’s time is mandatory to host the mega event.

“Hockey India has to conduct democratic elections before the World Cup but we are not imposing any deadlines. Deadlines are deadlines and everything has to be in place before the World Cup.

“The merger of the men’s and women’s federations at the state level is very much essential,” he said.

Negre said although he was satisfied with the pace of construction work at the National Stadium in New Delhi, the venue must be ready by January next year to conduct test events