All smiles despite 12-hour journey, Pakistan check in

The Pakistan hockey team at the Ambedkar Bus Terminal in New Delhi on Monday
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With just a handful of Delhi Police personnel, assisted by the traffic police outside, the Ambedkar Terminal in the national capital hardly looked like the destination for a high-profile team arriving for a major international tournament under tight security.
Given that security has been the buzzword around the hockey World Cup for the past few days, the arrival of the Pakistan squad for the tournament was largely subdued. Having started from Lahore at seven in the morning, they crossed the Wagah border early on Monday and arrived in the national capital after a gruelling 12-hour journey. The Pakistan players were visibly tired but were ready with a smile, and mingled freely with those around.

The squad arrived at the team hotel surrounded by armed guards, with the media kept at a distance outside. But, once inside, there were no extra measures and team manager Asif Bajwa readily answered questions. “Security may be an issue but we are not bothered about it. For me, it doesn’t matter. We have come for the World Cup, we have come as ambassadors of the sport for Pakistan and we are satisfied with what we have seen,” said Bajwa, who is also the Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary.

Striker Rehan Butt agreed. “All the way from Wagah to Delhi we had complete security. With several pilot cars ahead and following us, armed guards all the way, an ambulance and other necessary vehicles, we did not feel threatened at all. Even the place where we stopped for lunch was well protected. We are completely satisfied with the security,” he said, but added that things were not so smooth within the capital.

He admitted that the team was not in the best shape after their long journey. “Tired, sleepy, absolutely drained out,” was how he put it, even as he enquired about his room.

Experienced midfielder and one of the key members of the Pakistan squad, Waseem Ahmed appeared completely worn out, but agreed to answer all questions patiently. “For now all we want is to get some rest,” he said with a smile.

He said they would be up for it once the action began. “With enough rest tonight, I am sure all the players will be fine. We have a practice session scheduled in the morning tomorrow so that will also help,” he said.

Earlier, the Australian team was the first to land in the city for the tournament in the wee hours of the morning, and had a light training session. “The stadium is impressive,” senior defender Luke Doerner said.