Saturday, June 20, 2009

INDIA WILL HOST 2010 WORLD CUP SAYS FIH



India will play host to the 2010 FIH World Cup.

And in order to provide an assurance to teams, a Four Nation Pre World Cup Tournament will be held in either December or January.

To top it all, Pakistan have said that they will participate in the tournament which will be used as a yardstick to determine the preparation of India as the hosts for the World Cup scheduled in March next year.

In revealing this FIH President Leandro Negre said that he has sought and was given the assurances by the Indian government that all facilities will be ready by October this year and that adequate security arrangements will be in place.

"Holding the World Cup in India is a certainty. World hockey stands to benefit as hockey is in the heart of the Indian fans," said Negre at a press conference on the sidelines of the Junior World Cup in Johor Bahru.

"There were some problems with regards to the governing body but all of that is resolved and I am happy to say that their constitution has been approved by FIH.

"India will hold a tournament in December or January and I am told by Pakistan that they will participate if invited.

"So really there is no cause for concern."

The President also revealed that they had secured a title sponsor for the World Cup.

There is no denying that holding the World Cup in India will be commercially viable for FIH as it has multi national companies that will pay top dollar to be part of the World Cup, not forgetting the income from broadcasting rights.

When asked if Australia had voiced concern with regards to security, Negre had this to say,

"We have held discussions with Australia and even with a security company that is providing the security aspect report for the Australians for the Commonwealth Games.

"We will continue to get feedback and advise from them but am glad to note that they have not said anything about not participating."

On Malaysia's readiness to play host if India could not, Negre said the FIH was grateful as Malaysia have always had the interest at heart.