May I please state categorically that never have I ever sought to prevent the media from doing their job. It is essential that the media be given prime importance in order that the sport receives as much ‘front page’ news as possible.

If I can explain exactly what happened on the day. I was in my office working and I was called to Pitch 2 because it was reported that members of the media were on the actual field of play. I immediately went to the pitch and saw that there were a couple of journalists and photographers on the ground and others in various parts of the stand. I explained to them that they had every right to be at the training session, but asked them to respect the zones. I asked them to position themselves anywhere in the media section (which is in fact half of the seating in the grandstand at Pitch 2). They were happy to oblige and shifted to their seats at various vantage points in the media stand.

I then left the pitch and returned to my office. It was my understanding that they remained for the end of the session, but because I was not there I am not aware whether they stayed or not.

As you know at all FIH world level events and at the Olympic Games the media has full access to training sessions. The FIH has a clear policy that there are no ‘closed sessions’ This is because of the logistics of closing down a hockey stadium when there are teams coming and going for training at consecutive time slots.

At no stage did I ever attempt to stop the media from doing their work. All I asked was that they respect the media zone and in particular that they do not encroach on the actual field of play. I also advised them subject to the team manager’s approval they could speak to the players after the practice session.

However, it appears that someone in the OC has made a decision that training sessions are closed. I have no idea who has done this. I, together with you, believe it is a very bad decision. How can we promote our game if we do not cooperate fully with the media?

All these journalists had appropriate accreditation and as far as I am concerned were entitled to be in attendance at the training session. I made this very clear to them all. However, some were not happy that they had to vacate the actual playing field and take a seat in the grandstand. Any experienced journalist and/or photographer would never contemplate thinking they could be on the actual field of play when a training session was in progress.

To me it was bitterly disappointing that we had no media present this evening to watch the friendly match between India and England (men). For the record the Indian team won 3-1 and played some excellent hockey. Now this is front page news as far as I am concerned but no one here to witness or report on it. I think it is important that journalists like yourself must put pressure on the OC to review their current policy (whatever it is) that is preventing you from now gaining access to the venue.

For your interest, can I explain my role here. I have been specifically retained as a consultant to manage and deliver the hockey competition by the OC. I am not here representing the FIH, but a consultant for the OC. Specifically when approached I received the following:

Due to local protocol issues, Mr. Ajitpal Singh under whose captaincy the Indian team won 1975 Hockey World Cup has been appointed as Competition Manager for Hockey. That said we fully recognise that to plan and organize the Hockey Competitions during the Commonwealth Games we need a person with experience in the conduct of the International Competitions at the highest level and in this regard the FIH has suggested that you may be in a position to assist us, particularly given your intimate knowledge of planning to date in your previous role with the FIH.

Your early advice on your possible availability and on what terms you might be able to assist us on through to the successful conclusion of the Games would be appreciated. Whilst the position will be entitled “Sport Manager” you will in effect have full authority and responsibilities that would normally accrue to a Competition Manager. Mr. Ajitpal Singh’s role would be to support you as appropriate and to offer advice accordingly.

I take this role extremely seriously and I will make every endeavour to carry out this onerous responsibility. It is not easy and never has been. However, at no time will I ever attempt to prevent the media from doing their job. It is crucial for the well being of our sport that we get as much editorial as possible, not only at these Games, but at all times.

Dennis Meredith,

Consultant Sport Manager, Hockey

Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi