ISLAMABAD: International Hockey Federation President Leandro Negre has assured Pakistan that their players would be provided with adequate security when they tour India for next year’s World Cup.
“I believe that the organisers will be providing special security to Pakistan team because there could be some crazy elements who may try to take advantage of presence of Pakistan team in India to create a bad situation,” Negre said.
“Security of Pakistan team is a very important issue in the prevailing situation and FIH will play its due role in this regard,” the FIH chief said.
Asked about the possibility of Pakistani players facing visa problems as was in the case of cricketers wanting to play in Indian Premier League, he said, “FIH is in constant with the Indian authorities and I am confident that there will be no such problem as we look forward to an exciting and successful World Cup in India.
“FIH is monitoring the situation on regular basis and there should be any problem for issuing visas to Pakistan and their safe stay in India,” he said.
Negre also favoured resumption of India-Pakistan hockey ties and suggested neutral venue for such series.
“It’s the best way to resume bilateral hockey ties between the two countries,” he said.