Nothing on gunpoint, hockey official to striking team

Mumbai, Jan 11 : Barely 24 hours had passed since a truce over payment between the players and Hockey India and the national team is back on strike, plunging the sport into a fresh crisis. A senior administrator said the players must go back to practice and not hold the authorities on gunpoint.
Unsatisfied with the assurances of Hockey India, the players boycotted practice again ahead of the World Cup next month in New Delhi.

Earlier on Friday, the players boycotted a training camp in Pune for non-payment of match fees.

"They want incentives. It is fair enough. It is not a big amount. Hockey India should give it but they cannot hold anyone at gunpoint. Each day, each hour is important now," said Ikram Khan, general secretary, Maharashtra Hockey Association (MHA).

Earlier, speaking to NDTV, player Prabhjot Singh said: "We will not attend training camp till all issues are resolved, it is a unanimous decision of all 22 players to boycott training. I think this issue will be resolved in a couple of days. I agree it is a crucial tournament, but for any team sport the most important factor is unity and our team is united. You will see this unity till the end." .

Hockey India tried to douse the fire by promising money but requesting the players to bear with their financial crisis.

Earlier on Friday, Hockey India president Ashok Mattoo said: "Whatever is genuine that shall be provided. Anytime any team goes anywhere payment would be made."

The Hockey World Cup begins in New Delhi on Feb 28.