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Published 21 Feb, 2010 12:00am

PHF delegation praises India security arrangements

LAHORE Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) two-member security team expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements regarding protection and safety of the Pakistan team in the forthcoming World Cup Hockey tournament (Feb 28 to March 13) in New Delhi, India.

The delegation comprising, Secretary, Punjab Hockey Association, Rana Mujahid and marketing head Shahid Pervez Bhandara held four detailed meetings with the higher ups of security agencies during their two-day stay in India.

“The meetings were very productive as we were told in detail about the security measures being made during the event and I would say we are very satisfied with the arrangements,” said Rana Mujahid while talking to newsmen after his return from India here on Saturday. He said they inspected the team's hotel, practice ground main venue of the tournament and the entire route from the hotel to the stadium and back while being briefed about the security measures.

The delegation upon its arrival in Delhi had a firsthand meeting with the officials of the Pakistan High Commission, too.

“The Indian authorities have taken the organisation of the cup as a big challenge to showcase the image of India in a better way despite the recent threats and they are confident to execute a high-level security plan during the event to make it a success,” said Rana.

He said there was a special meeting which was also attended by representatives of all the participating hockey federations and FIH representative where all the participants expressed their satisfaction over the issue.

“It is because of the threat of terrorist attacks that security is a very sensitive issue nowadays and the organisers are fully committed to do their best for the protection of the participating teams,” said Bhandara.

He said that after going through the plans designed by Indian authorities for security he asked them how confident they are to execute them in the right direction and their answer was not one hundred per cent but one hundred and twenty per cent.”

The PHF delegation on its return submitted a report to the PHF president who will be sending it to the concerned authorities.

When contacted President PHF Qasim Zia said that he had been briefed by the committee on the matter and was satisfied with the security measures being taken in India.

“I am confident that we will be provided best security and that is why our team would be leaving for India in a couple of days to take part in the mega event,” said Qasim.— APP

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