Hockey India hopes national players will return to practice

New Delhi, Jan 12 (ANI): Hockey India (HI) President Ashok Kumar Mattoo isopeful that the national team's players will return to the training camp at Pune and resume practice sessions for the ensuing World Cup.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Mattoo said: I am hopeful and confident that they will see reason and appreciate the problem and also appreciate the decision communicated by Hockey India."

Earlier, issuing a stern warning to the players boycotting the training camp, Mattoo said Hockey India would not tolerate such tactics which he branded as blackmailing the governing body.

Meanwhile, Antonio Von Ondarza, Vice President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) who is presently in the national capital to oversee the preparations for the World Cup also hoped that the matter between the Indian players and the governing body would be resolved soon.

"I hope that Hockey India...solves problems. I really can't do anything, except advice or help, nothing more I can do. It is something which they have to sort out, and I think should be sorted out quickly because as far as I am concerned the World Cup is right in front of our doors,' Ondarza added.

The players were upset over non-payment of match fees in the recent international matches and planned to boycott the training camp for the World Cup.

This premier international tourney is to be staged in New Delhi between February 28 and March 13.

The players are yet to receive their match fees for the previous international tournament at Salta in Argentina in which they emerged as the third best team.

They said they were forced to take the step after Hockey India did not respond to the players' letter. (ANI)