No Terror shadow over hockey

Mihir Vasavda

Mumbai: Putting to rest doubts regarding India hosting the hockey World Cup in 2010, the international hockey federation (FIH) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have confirmed that New Delhi would stage the event. The game’s governing body, however, will monitor the situation carefully.

After the terror attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, doubts were raised over the hockey mega event being held in India.

Allaying fears, IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said they are in constant touch with the FIH and all the federations and there are “no doubts” over India hosting the World Cup.

“Security is always an issue be it an event of any scale. We have to be very careful. The state and the central government will also be involved. We assure all of you of a safe Games and the World Cup.”

Speaking to DNA, a senior FIH official said security is an extremely important issue considering it is out of control of all parties involved in hosting the World Cup.

“The FIH is monitoring the situation carefully. The developments in the sub-continent are worrying, especially because they have nothing to do with sports and are completely out of control of all parties involved in the 2010 World Cup. But we are in constant touch with the IOA and all the Indian authorities,” the official said.

The highly placed official ruled out the possibility of moving the World Cup out of India. “At this stage, the 2010 FIH men’s World Cup will take place in India,” he said.

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth had raised doubt over security in the sub-continent and whether it would be safe to hold the event.

The FIH official said it has been sending its team for assessing security measures constantly and a delegation has already visited New Delhi twice this year.