Australia committed to hockey World Cup despite Pune blast

MELBOURNE: Hockey Australia (HA) on Monday said it is satisfied with the security arrangements for the World Cup in Delhi and there would not be any change in the team’s travel schedule despite Saturday’s blast in Pune.

The blast left at least nine people dead and 57 injured but HA said it would stick to its earlier travel plan to leave for New Delhi on Sunday for the World Cup starting February 28.

“The security of our team and staff is of the utmost importance. We are placing a high priority on security plans for this important international event. But at this stage Hockey Australia is comfortable with the security plans that are being put in place for the World Cup,” HA chief executive Mark Anderson said.

“We understand that Delhi Police are enacting the necessary plans to ensure the safety of all competing teams. Hockey Australia continues to monitor the situation with key stakeholders. The feedback indicates that the plans are progressing well in preparation for the competing team’s arrival later this month,” Anderson was quoted as saying by ‘Sydney Morning Herald’.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups.”

The Kookaburras will play two Tests against New Zealand in Perth this week, on Wednesday and Friday, to complete their preparations for the World Cup.