Pak hockey player Butt comes down hard at Delhi Games critics

NEW DELHI: Lashing out at the critics of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Pakistan hockey player Rehan Butt on Friday said things have been blown out of proportion and that all host countries face problems in build-up to big sporting events like this.

As the Games village is still being readied, several athletes have pulled out of the event and those who have arrived were taken to hotels.

Butt said during the 2002 Manchester Games, they stayed in a University hotel but made a fuss about that.

“I don’t want to pinpoint any host country but I feel that the issue is blown out of proportion in this case. There were problems during Manchester Games as well where we stayed in a university hostel. That was the worst experience but we did not complaint. We, India and Pakistan, never do that,” Butt said.

Butt also termed as ridiculous the security concerns surrounding the Games despite an attack on a tourist bus outide the historic Jama Masjid.

“Other teams are always concerned about playing in India and Pakistan which I find ridiculous. Indian Hockey team has a Spanish coach while we have a Dutch coach.

“They don’t have problems staying in India or Pakistan. If other countries hesitate to play here then it will be the victory for terrorism.

“We don’t have any security concern. We are definitely participating in the Games and we will go there with the message of peace. We want to show the western countries that if Pakistan can play in India, why can’t they? ” he said.

The Zeeshan Ashraf-led Pakistani hockey team will arrive on September 29. They will play a practice match with South Africa on the next day.

Butt is optimistic about a better show after his team finished last in the World Cup, held at the same venue in February-March.

“We are better prepared now. We worked hard in Europe. Drew the series against Holland and Spain while defeated France. We also had a practice cum exposure tour of Holland from 1- 20 Sept. We are determined not to repeat the mistakes we committed in WC,” the veteran forward said.

Pakistan are in tough pool which also has India and world champion Australia.

“We have got a tough pool but it is blessing in disguise. It will be easier for us to reach the final four if we overcome the initial hurdle. Performance in CWG will prepare us for the Asiad, which is more important.”

Pakistan will come without the world record holder drag flicker Sohail Abbas and goalkeeper Salman Akbar. Abbas has been dropped citing the poor form while Akbar is busy in Dutch league.