News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » India likely to hold men's hockey World Cup in 2010

India likely to hold men's hockey World Cup in 2010

Source: PTI
March 22, 2007 17:45 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Apart from holding the Commonwealth Games in 2010, India is likely to host another big event the same year -- the men's hockey World Cup.

The FIH has sent a proposal to the Indian Hockey Federation and the matter is likely to be settled in a month's time.

"The FIH Executive Board decided to enter into a discussion with India to determine if the Men's World Cup could be held in New Delhi in February 2010. A proposal is being sent to the federation and it is hoped that a decision can be taken within a month," the FIH said in a release.

IHF Chief KPS Gill said he was very positive about the outcome and remodeling of the venue -- National Stadium -- for the big event would begin sooner than later.

"I am very positive. The FIH has sent us the proposal. We are being backed by the Indian Olympic Association and we should hold the tournament properly," he told PTI.

"The venue will be ready in time. Three pitches will be there in the National Stadium and all facilities will be in place. The remodeling will start shortly and by 2009 it will be complete," he said.

Gill said the IHF would promote umpires from the country so that more of them would be ready for international duty before the World Cup.

"We always promote umpires. But, there is certain process in place," he said.

At present, only one Indian -- Satinder Kumar -- is there in FIH's world panel of umpires while two others -- Raghu Prasad and Virendra Singh -- are in Grade 1. One umpire, Javed Shaikh, is in line for being upgraded to Grade 1 while a few others are there in the international panel.

Gill, who yesterday had a meeting with the Director General of SAI, Ratan Wattal, also said that at least 10 more astroturfs were coming up in different parts of the country for development of players at grassroots level.

"Lot of astroturfs are coming up, including places like Aizwal and Shillong," he said.

On the World Cup, IHF secretary K Jothikumaran hoped that India would be able to organise the mega event successfully.

"Things are looking bright. It's a big event which is a good thing to happen. Thanks to the Commonwealth Games organising committee, IOA and SAI for their support. I think we would be able to hold it successfully," he added.

Meanwhile, the FIH has appointed Argentina as the host of the Women's World Cup in 2010.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25