The England hockey team is leaving for New Delhi on Thursday to participate in the World Cup starting on Sunday but security arrangements in the Indian capital are still a concern for the players, according to a report.
England’s Hockey performance director David Faulkner acknowledged there were apprehensions among the players related to security and that they were in contact with the British High Commission in Delhi regarding the arrangements, ’The Times ’ reported.
“The excitement of playing in a World Cup has been dented and it is unsettling,” Faulkner was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
“The safety and security of the squad remains our priority and we are in daily contact with the British High Commission in Delhi regarding security arrangements. We fully intend to go to the World Cup,” Faulkner said.
Head coach Jason Lee said specialist security personnel will be attached 24 hours a day at the team hotel as well as at the bus and stadium.
“We’ll be stuck in the hotel a lot more than normal and I guess we’ll be suffering from cabin fever. But the players can amuse themselves with all the technology and games around and who knows, some of them might even read a book,” Lee said.
The England players, who open their campaign in the mega event against Australia on Sunday, will reach New Delhi from Doha where they had a pre-tournament training camp.
