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GOODBYE TO M'SIAN WORLD CUP HOPES

Bernama - Sunday, June 21

JOHOR BAHARU, June 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's hopes of hosting the Men's Hockey World Cup next year was dashed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) who gave India, the original host, the go ahead despite earlier speculation over their status, due to security reasons.

The FIH, the world governing body for hockey, confirmed that the Indian capital, New Delhi will be the host for the Men's World Cup in March next year.

"There will be no changes. New Delhi will host the World Cup as scheduled and everything is in place for them to do so. They have sorted out their own internal problems, including the merger of their women's and men's federations.

"They have also found a title sponsor for the tournament and I am happy for them. India, hosting the Hockey World Cup would benefit the country," said the president of the FIH Leandro Negre on the sidelines of the Junior World Cup here today.

So, with FIH's confirmation, there would be no need to look at a Plan B, that is, Malaysia as the alternative host.

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SPORTS-HOCKEY 2 (LAST) JOHOR BAHARU

"We are thankful to Malaysia for agreeing to be the host if India cannot make it. But now there is no need for that. I am in touch with the Indian HA and on the question of security for the tournament they have given us the guarantee that they will do everything within their means.

"Their security plan for the World Cup will be based on the similar measures which will be taken for the Commonwealth Games they are hosting in November next year and I believe that will be adequate.

"In any case the Indian HA will hold a warm-up tournament three or four months before the start of the World Cup and I am told that the teams they want to invite will show up," added the Spaniard.

India last hosted the World Cup in 1982 in Mumbai, which was then known as Bombay.

--BERNAMA

DGC JRL

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