Hockey players vow to show team spirit in WC

Relieved after the deadlock with the federation ended in an amicable solution, the Indian hockey players on Wednesday vowed to put up a united front in the forthcoming World Cup which gets underway here next month.
The five-day long deadlock ended today with Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi brokering a compromise deal between Hockey India and the striking players, who have been promised an immediate disbursement of Rs one crore given by team sponsor Sahara.

India goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza said the players are a much relieved lot after a peace was brokered today between two warring parties and now they can completely focus their attention on the preparations for the World Cup to be held in the national capital from February 28-March 13.
“We are relived today. We were happy that everything has been settled and now we can concentrate on our preparations for the World Cup,” D’Souza told PTI from Pune.

“Our unity was our main weapon in this fight. Every single player of the squad was behind each other and I am happy to say that we still are a united lot. I hope we will carry forward this unity on the field.
“World Cup is a battle and unity is necessary to win any battle. You will definitely witness this unity during the World Cup,” he said.