Teams arrive, are off-limits for media

New Delhi, Feb. 22: With five days to go for the hockey World Cup, teams from Pakistan, Australia and South Africa reached the capital on the day amid tight security.

The Hockeyroos, who arrived in the wee hours of the day, got going immeditaley with a training session at the revamped Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here.

The Green Sticks and South Africa reached later in the day, and begin preparations from Tuesday.

“We are the first to have expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements of the Indian government, of the Delhi Police and of the Indian federation (Hockey India),” Pakistan manager Asif Bajwa, who is also the secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, said on arrival. “India is a safe place for the World Cup.”

All this though happened away from the eyes of the media, who were once again barred from all activities.

The National Stadium was sealed, the team hotel turned into a virtual fortress, with the authorities even barring phone calls.

The Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India played the blame game on the day, all saying that the matter was not in their hands.

Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra blamed SAI and the IOA for the situation, while the latter cited “security measures” as the reason for keeping the media away.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH), which in the past has been very vocal on the need to encourage and popularise the game in the subcontinent, went a step further saying the media would only be allowed from the opening day of the 12-nation event.

“The press entry would begin from February 28, the opening day of the World Cup. The decision is final and binding,” said FIH events manager Tina Brullo.

Meanwhile, former India skipper Pargat Singh lambasted the authorities, saying the organisers were “putting the country’s image at stake with sub-standard planning”.

“The World Cup is a perfect platform to popularise the game and take it to the masses once again. I am sorry to say that the authorities have made a mess of that opportunity.

“The media is barred, tickets (for the event) are unavailable, team members are fighting over captaincy, and to top it all, no one knows who is hosting the World Cup. Is it the IOA, Hockey India or the FIH?”

“It is a shame that we cannot host a 15-day event properly. Even club events are organised in a much better manner,” Pargat fumed.

Pargat also blasted the sports ministry, who has recently accused the media of letting out team secrets by showing the world how they trained.

“I do not understand what the authorities mean by this. I have been a player myself, and everyone knows that the game and the team need publicity. How is it going to affect anyone if you show a player taking a hit or a slap shot.

“This short-sightedness is harming the players, the game and the country,” he said.

Pargat also said that IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi should own up responsibility. “If the IOA says it is handling the World Cup, then I doubt how will they organise a massive event like the Commonwealth Games.

“Definitely security is a issue but there are solutions also. Proper arrangements should have been made for the media in advance. It is not a personal team, it is the national team,” he said.

Age Correspondent