World Cup Tit bits here and there
German coach Paul Lissek is awestruck of the magnanimous Dhyan Chand stadium. Its fantastic. I cannot imagine even hockey can have such a big wonderful stadium. He said this to a local coach. Paul Lissek is nowadays assisting Australian team.
Second pitch in the stadium has also been commissioned, this also has floodlights. Dhyan Chand is only hockey stadium in the world to have two floodlight stadium in the same campus. On the opening day of this pitch, India practiced, followed by two other countries.
There was two main press conferences on Wednesday. First one was to announce Karbonn Mobiles as the Major Partner of World Cup. It was a grand media gathering, with models and mobiles. An Argentinean player and Deepak Thakur were also on the stage to grace the Mobiles. Pradeep Jain, managing director of Jaina Group and Sudhir Hasija, Managing Director, UTL Group – these two groups joints own Karbonn Mobiles – spoke on the occasion.
Four players, one by one, were brought in an organized manner for interaction with the media. At least it’s a step forward to bring players to the face of the world cup.
Spain team was getting ready to go for the practice. I encountered its Assistant coach who has been with the team since 1995. I asked him who leads the side. He called two players and said we have two captains. Oh god, the 1968 days. “You don’t know him, he is world’s best hockey player, he is one of the captains”. He pointed towards Pol Amat. On 26th all the team captains are going to be available for interview in one place. I don’t know whom the Spaniard management will recommend!
An 18-year old German player attracted eyes in the Le Merridiean Hotel. Florian Fuchs – he has nothing to do with Florian Kunz of 2002 World Cup fame – hopes his seniors will guide him in the World Cup. He has played only seven matches, first time playing for the country in November 2009. He was born on 10 Nov 1991.
All the captains will be assembling near India gate on 26h morning 9 AM.
The lady co-ordinating the players with media had to do a hell lot of translation job today, as players had experienced difficulty to understand the questions.
Only two officials from England hockey are here; the full team is expected today (Thursday)