The Pioneer: New Delhi

THEIR tussle with the Sahara Group notwithstanding, it looks like happy days are round the corner for Hockey India. Not only has the International Hockey Federation (FIH) more or less confirmed that Delhi will host the 2010 Men’s World Cup in March, but they have also generously offered a share of the sponsorship fee to the host federation.

On Monday Hero Honda was named the title sponsor for the 2010 World Cup, a deal that is, according to sources, worth somewhere around Rs 12 crore. Out of that sum Hockey India will receive a hefty amount of Rs 1.5 crore for hosting the event. “Normally this doesn’t happen but the FIH feels that for the development of the sport in India some of the sponsorship fee should go to the host federation,” a Hockey India official told The Pioneer during the unveiling of the World Cup trophy here on Monday.

“The money that we have been spending on hockey till date has been coming from our pockets or the government,” he added. However with this new development, officials of Hockey India can be breathe a sigh of relief that finally some funds will be flowing into the federation.

More money flowing in

In another development it was also learnt that Sahara has in fact started paying Hockey India the sponsorship money and has also sent the body a quarterly sponsorship cheque, on Monday, for which they have received the acknowledgement receipt. So it seems that the federation’s money problems may be coming to an end. However, no one in Hockey India was willing to comment on this as the case is still subjudice. Sahara officials also refused to divulge the amount paid but it is reliably learnt the cheque was around Rs 50 lakhs.

World Cup safe

In other news the FIH also cleared any doubts over India hosting the World Cup and said Malaysia was no longer a back-up venue for the mega event starting here from March 7. Although, they said that Malaysia will still be on standby in case of a major emergency. “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 for it,” FIH President Leandro Negre told reporters here.

“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 and with the progress made by Hockey India,” Negre said.

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

“Hockey India has to conduct democratic elections before the event, 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. He assured that top class security arrangement would be put in place for the visiting teams during the entire course of the tournament.

“Security remains an issue worldwide, not only in Asia, but we are taking stock of the situation from time to time. We will ensure that the teams will be given elite security, from the time they land at the airport till the time they leave the country,” said Negre.

Memorable day for former champs

The team led by Ajitpal Singh beat Pakistan in the final at Kaula Lumpur to win India’s only World Cup. Ajitpal, Zafar Iqbal, B.P.Govinda, Brigadier H.J.S. Chimni, Ashok Dewan were some of the members of the 1975 winning squad who were present at the ceremony. Magical moments from that famous victory were relived as an audio visual of images from the tournament and their triumphant return to home was played. “We fondly remember those days and how passionately we played hockey. Hockey used to be so popular in those days. We were given a overwhelming welcome on return,” said Govinda.