New Delhi, January 9
The bitter payment dispute between India’s national hockey players and the game’s administrators was tonight resolved after a marathon meeting, paving the way for the resumption of the World Cup preparatory camp in Pune which had been stalled because of the row.
Six senior players including captain Rajpal Singh flew down from Pune to hold discussion with the top officials of Hockey India before an amicable solution was reached with both parties “promising to move forward”.
Hockey President A K Mattoo told reporters that the dispute is over but declined to elaborate on the financial details of the agreement with the revolting players. “The issue has been resolved. Hockey India is for the development of hockey in the country. We had a meaningful dialogue and discussion with the players in free and fearless atmosphere,” Mattoo said.
“We have understood their issues. They have also understood our problems. We both the parties have decided to move forward because right now World Cup is our first priority. I am confident of a podium finish in the World Cup.”
Rajpal also addressed the media and said they are ready to resume practice since all the issues have been resolved.
“We are going in for practice tomorrow. Whatever the problem was, has been solved. Our job is to play on the ground and the administrators’ job is to look after all other issues,” Rajpal said. — PTI