India likely to host hockey World Cup

Doha, Dec 14 (UNI) Delhi has emerged as a front runner to host the next edition of the Men's World Cup hockey in late 2009 or early 2010, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi said here today.

Talking to reporters at the Main Media Centre (MMC) this afternoon, Mr Kalmadi said, ''We will be hosting some important international meets before the Commonwealth Games (in 2010) and it will also include World Cup hockey which is likely to be held in 2009.'' ''Hockey is our national game and it is our duty to promote it.

We are going to have more talks with FIH regarding hosting of the World Cup,'' the IOA chief said.

Mr Kalmadi said FIH president, along with other officials, will visit India soon to discuss this issue.

''I am confident that we will have a very good sponsor for it and if need be Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee will also contribute and I don't think hosting the World Cup will be a problem.

''We have got a very good response from the FIH but every thing will be clear by next year,'' he said, adding hosting of the World Cup will be a good to kickstart for the Commonwealth Games.

Asked that as per the new FIH rules, only the sponsor can decide the venue of the World Cup, Mr Kalmadi said, ''The talks in this regard (to have the sponsor) is going on and even the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee may pump in some money for the World Cup.'' Mr Kalmadi informed that not only the IOA but also the top brass of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) was unhappy with the poor showing of the Indian team at the Asiad.

''I had spoken to FIH president Els Vriesman and she was very anxious about Indian hockey's future,'' Mr Kalmadi said, adding that he will have detailed discussions with Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) officials after his return.

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