FIH impressed with World Cup venue
Sports Reporter
NEW DELHI: International Hockey Federation President Leandro Negre seemed reassured after visiting the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the venue for the upcoming Hero Honda World Cup hockey tournament here.
With a little more than a month to go for the World Cup, Mr. Negre set aside all apprehensions regarding the successful conduct of the mega event.
“One year ago, I had said this would be one of the best hockey stadia (in the world) and today I can say that this has been achieved. This would be one of the important things to show to the rest of the world. I am sure the World Cup will be a fantastic moment in hockey,” Mr. Negre said at a press conference here on Tuesday.
“The 2010 World Cups, for men in India and for women in Argentina, are very important for FIH. We are spending a lot of time on these,” he added.
With the stadium getting the finishing touches so close to the World Cup, there is hardly any time left to conduct any test event. However, the FIH President said it was “not mandatory.”
Mr. Negre was confident that security of all the teams would be taken care of. “Some countries are asking FIH about it. But I am sure India can provide the best security.”
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi, who was present on the occasion, said the stadium would be available for the Indian players around the first week of next month.
‘A domestic problem’
The FIH chief termed the recent controversy relating to the Indian probables’ strike as a “domestic problem,” but backed the players as far as performance of the host in the World Cup was concerned.
“The performance of the team is better now. That is my personal opinion after seeing India in the Champions Challenge meet in Salta, Argentina,” he said.
The FIH, keeping close tabs on the upcoming election process of Hockey India, sounded optimistic about the February 7 polls of the National federation.
“We are very happy with how things have developed. Soon there will be elections, which will be free and democratic. There will be a proper HI in place before the World Cup,” Mr. Negre said.
About questions being raised on the process of elections, FIH Vice-President Antonio von Ondarza said: “A vast majority of the units are clear. But odd ones out are there. HI is trying to accommodate everybody. Wherever such problems exist, those states cannot vote,” he said.