Some security concerns still need to be addressed: Negre

NEW DELHI: International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Leandro Negre on Tuesday said despite the Indian government and the organisers’ assuran
ce of fool-proof security for the 2010 World Cup here, concerns still remain.

Negre, who is on a three-day visit to India, had a series of meetings with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) since his arrival on Monday discussing New Delhi’s preparedness for the tournament.

He also met Sports Minister MS Gill, who assured him that security and infrastructure would not be an issue during the March 3-20 mega-event.

“Security is an essential thing, but terrorist attack can happen anywhere in the world, not necessarily India.”

“I along with the FIH delegation had a detailed meeting with the IOA officials yesterday. I also met Sports Minister today and they have given us full guarantee about security and other aspects. But still there are some concerns which needs to be addressed,” Negre said.

The FIH President, who came to India to take a first hand account of the country’s preparedness for the next year’s World Cup, also inspected the venues, the National Stadium and Dhyan Chand Stadium, in the morning and expressed his satisfaction on the construction work.

Negre also met representatives of 28 state hockey units led by Bengal Hockey Association President JB Roy to discuss the state of the game in the country.