New Delhi, Feb 22 (Inditop.com) Former India captain and Hockey Punjab secretary Pargat Singh Monday came down heavily on Hockey India (HI) for its shoddy work ahead of World Cup, beginning Feb 28.
Pargat called the organisation set up “pathetic” and that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been too soft on HI.
“Nobody knows who’s handling the show. There is a lack of vision and planning and everyone is passing the buck. Never in my career have I seen such a shoddy organisation of an event. FIH has been too soft on HI. The World Cup was supposed to be the showcase event for us. Now I am worried about Commonwealth Games,” he told reporters at Punjab Bhavan.
Pargat also wondered why media is not being allowed to cover the national team’s practice.
“I fail to undestand why media has no access to players and the stadium. How can you stop the media from following the team. Security is important but what is happening is nothing but harassment. It is the national team, not somebody’s private team.”
Pargat, who wanted to bring some 200 kids from his academy in Punjab for the World Cup, said he did not know where to get the tickets from.
“It’s sad that hockey fans have no access to the tickets to the tournament. No one knows where to buy tickets to the matches.”
Paragat was also critical of players’ participation in the exhibition matches just days before the World Cup.
“The participation of players in the exhibition matches before the World Cup is totally uncalled for. Money is important, but it is not above national interest,” he said.
rounak