FIH unhappy with turnouts at Junior Hockey World Cup

Leandro Alegre

The recently concluded Junior Hockey World Cup saw the hosts getting knocked out at the group stage itself. Apart from that, the low turnouts were also a cause for worry as expressed by the head of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Leandro Negre.

The FIH chief said on Sunday that the organizers of future events should be pro-active in drawing spectators to the stadium.

“India has always been a good host but our only concern is lack of spectators. We are not satisfied with this in the Junior Hockey World Cup and we have to find a solution. In future, the organisers have to be pro-active before the tournament, like free tickets can be distributed in schools and colleges. They can offer free cold drink or tea along with the ticket,” Negre told reporters.

He wanted something additional to be presented to the public along with the game.

“We have to do something additional to attract people. It can be Bollywood stars, cheerleaders, fireworks, music, etc. We have to glamourise the game like IPL in cricket. Hockey India League is a right step in this direction. We can not compete with cricket but we can approach,” he said.

Negre also came up with a proposition which will see not one, but two cities, hosting the 2018 senior Hockey World Cup, with the semis and final to be held in Delhi.

“Delhi is the capital and hockey event is one among thousand other events (in other sports) while we have seen packed stadiums in smaller cities like Jallandhar or Ranchi. Similarly in Malaysia, Johor Bahru had packed stadium which was lacking in Kuala Lumpur. In Delhi, the stadium is also big and it is tough to have packed crowd.”

“I have proposed to Hockey India to have pool matches of 2018 WC in two different cities like Mohali or Ranchi or in Odisha and semifinals and final in Delhi. But it is our (FIH) opinion and there has to be consent of both the sides,” he said.

When asked about the possibilities of resumption of hockey ties between India and Pakistan after their clash for the 9th and 10th spots, he said that the FIH has always been in favour of it.

“It will be fantastic if India and Pakistan can revive their hockey rivalry. Both the federations are ready but there is political aspect also which they have to consider. My personal opinion is that whenever they play this bilateral series, one test match should be held in Dhaka to promote the game in Bangladesh,” said Negre.

He also attributed India’s disappointing showing at the Junior Hockey World Cup down to a lack of mental toughness.

“India has a glorious past of hockey and people want medals immediately which is not possible. It takes time to build a team and they have to be patient. But Indian hockey has improved in the last five years. The weakness of the team is lack of mental strength,” he said.

“Indian team is not mentally strong like Germany, Holland. For example, they could not win a crucial match against Korea despite leading 3-1. Teams like Germany or Holland or Australia would not have drawn the match from that stage. But I am sure that India will do well in 2018 senior World Cup,” he added.