New Delhi, July 23 (Inditop.com) Hockey India Thursday blamed the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for mishandling the logistics as the men’s team missed their morning flight from Pune to the national capital.
The team was to board a Kingfisher flight at 5.30 am but failed to reach the airport in time.
Indian coach Harendra Singh alleged the transport meant to take the team to the Pune airport was sent an hour late by the SAI. He also said they were not allowed by Kingfisher management to board the flight though the team reached the airport half an hour before takeoff.
“I spoke to the deputy manager of Kingfisher airlines to at least send our baggage before we can catch another flight, but he refused. We did not expect such treatment,” Harendra told reporters here.
HI president A.K. Mattoo said he would take up the case with SAI and also the concerned airline.
“HI will definitely take up the issue with SAI and Kingfisher. The transport got delayed because of SAI. Technically the airlines, Kingfisher, could have accepted the request of a national team, but they did not,” Mattoo said.
The team arrived here only in the afternoon and will leave for England for their month-long European tour, during which they will play 12 Tests against Belgium, Spain, Holland and Great Britain.
The players also met injured goalkeeper Baljit Singh and then attended a logo unveiling ceremony of Hockey India, which was also delayed due to their late arrival.
rounak