Hockey teams await Friday briefing

This Friday (February 19) may be the most important day as far as the Hockey World Cup in New Delhi is concerned. On this day the Indian government will brief representatives from 11 foreign countries that have qualified for the event about the security arrangements following Saturday’s bomb blast in Pune.

In New Delhi, Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said the government would ensure that the World Cup is completed without a security hitch. The government has also decided to review security arrangements for four major sporting events, including the World Cup, in wake of the Pune blast. The other events are the third IPL, the Commonwealth Shooting Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

Hockey officials from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and Germany on Monday told HT they are going ahead with their plans for the World Cup.
“We are aware of the bombing in Pune on Saturday but are going ahead with our plans for the World Cup. We are in daily contact with our High Commission in India and have also received a communication from FIH regarding clarifications we sought,” said David Faulkner, England Hockey’s high performance director.

Hockey Australia CEO Mark Anderson said: “We continue to maintain close communication with our security advisors. At this stage, there are no plans to change our decision to participate in the World Cup. We are looking forward to participating in what is sure to be a successful, exciting and very welcoming event.”