Black marketeers cash in on craze for hockey

NEW DELHI: The stifling security arrangements for the Hockey World Cup may have allayed fears but keeping black marketeers at bay, it seems, is a different proposition altogether.

On Sunday, hours before the start of the much-awaited World Cup match between India and Pakistan, black marketers got their act together and did brisk business in the very presence of policemen.

The mismanagement in ticket sales, which led to several genuine hockey lovers being deprived of a ticket for the much-sought-after India-Pakistan game, provided the perfect opportunity for a few to earn some quick bucks.

In a cricket-like frenzy, people were seen buying tickets at twice the price.

“I had got two tickets for the Rs 100 stand, but while entering I was approached by people who asked me if I needed any,” said Mayank, a college student. Added another: “I was looking for a ticket for so many days but didn’t know where to buy. So when one man offered me two tickets, I could not resist paying a few more rupees. I cannot afford to miss the excitement of the match.”

Interestingly, a constable who was not very far from the scene where tickets were exchanging hands, did not seem to mind. “Let them do it,” he said, “It shows hockey is not dead. It’s good for the game that its demand has let people buy tickets in black.”