India will host 2010 Hockey World Cup, says FIH Chief

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Recent 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and a change in guard at the highest level of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will not have any affect on Delhi hosting the 2010 World Cup.

The president of Hockey’s governing body FIH, Leandro Negre said that he does not see any reason at the moment to move the game away from India. However, FIH would be keeping a close watch on the situation in India, including political ones, in the run up to the event.

“At this stage there is no reason not to host the 2010 men’s World Cup in India. The FIH signed the memorandum of understanding for our showcase event in August this year and I don’t see any reason for me to change this,” Negre said in an email.

“However, the FIH will monitor the situation in India carefully to make sure that the event will be organized at the highest possible level as we will have a close look on the political situation in India too”, he added.

The chief further suggested that the world body would continue supporting the project concerning revival of Indian hockey.