Hockey India Media Release on Women Hockey Kazan Tour

There have been numerous queries from the Media/Press on the delayed departure of the Indian women hockey team to Kazan, Russia, to participate in the inaugural Champions Challenge Trophy from June 21-28. Despite being intimated about the tournament’s programme on June 10, Hockey India had made all the necessary arrangements, including procuring visas within a limited time from the Russian Embassy, so that the Indian team could reach Kazan and get a few days to acclimatise and train.

Since all government-financed foreign tours are handled by the travel agency, Balmer Lawrie Ltd, the Indian team’s tickets were booked by the travel agency, and according to our programme the team was scheduled to leave for Kazan from New Delhi via Frankurt aboard international carrier Lufthansa, at 2.30am on June 18.

In fact, Hockey India tried to ensure that unnecessary delays were not caused while travelling and therefore the Indian team was flown down to Delhi from Bangalore where they were training, for their smooth departure from IG International Airport. We had also sought all-travel related information in advance from Balmer Lawrie Ltd. The travel agency had informed that Lufthansa officials had clearly expressed that transit visas were not required to board their flight from Delhi to Kazan via Frankfurt.

However, to our disappointment, we were informed around midnight on June 17 that Lufthansa officials at the IGI airport had refused to allow the Indian women’s hockey team to board their flight, citing that transit visas were now required. This information had not been conveyed to Hockey India till the end when the tickets were being booked and confirmed. Moreover, we had specifically enquired from Balmer Lawrie Ltd whether transit visa or any other formalities were required to facilitate a smooth journey for the Indian team. We were let down by Lufthansa’s misleading position on the issue of procuring transit visa.

We blame Lufthansa for misleading us and have asked Balmer Lawrie Ltd for an explanation for the miscommunication. We are upset that the members of the Indian women hockey team and the support staff had to go through inconvenience at an unearthly hour. However, Hockey India officials were present at the IGI airport at midnight to escort the Indian team to Hotel Rajdoot for rest.

We have already made alternative travel arrangement and the Indian team will now be travelling to Kazan via Moscow, around midnight on June 18, on board Etihad Airways.

Hockey India Media Release