Pakistan team to assess Hockey World Cup security

LAHORE: A Pakistani delegation, comprising of hockey federation representatives and Interior ministry officials has got the Indian government’s nod to assess the security situation before commencement of the Hockey World Cup in New Delhi from February 28 to March 13.

“The delegation will leave for India on February 19. The Pakistan delegation will evaluate the security arrangements the Indian government has put in place for the tournament,” sources said.

The Hockey World Cup, being held in India after 28 years, will see the participation of 12 countries with around 400 players and officials. The last World Cup was held in India in 1982.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation had earlier requested the government to send a high-level security delegation to India despite International Hockey Federation (FIH) assurances of foolproof security, the Daily Times reports.

“We have heard that Australia and England are bringing their own security personnel, so it would be better if we too take some security staff with us because we want a peaceful event,” PHF general secretary Mohammad Asif Bawja said.

The participating teams are Australia, Canada, England, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, India, Argentina, Pakistan and New Zealand.

Pakistan is in Group B along with Australia, England, India, South Africa and Spain. They play their first match against archrivals India on the opening day.

Defending champions Germany, Argentina, New Zealand, The Netherlands, South Korea and Canada form Group A.