Click to play videoNew Delhi: Even as the Indian hockey team arrived in Delhi to get acclimatised to the conditions before the World Cup, the media had no access at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
A photo journalist from a leading national daily tried to force his way in, only to be roughed up by the security guards and then held back by police for breaching security.
When reporters confronted the stadium authorities 'security concern' was the reason given for not allowing the media entry to the stadium.
Incidentally, the stadium was inaugurated barely 10 days ago by Sports Minister MS Gill amid huge presence of media.
Both Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials and the organising committee refused to explian the steps taken.
With less than a month to go for the World cup to begin another controversy does not augur well for Indian hockey.
The facility was on Wednesday made available to the national team, which was until now preparing for the mega event at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
Even though majority of the assembled mediapersons were barred from entering the stadium through the main entrance, a few managed to get in through other gates but after protests from the stranded pack, they were also brought out.
Asked to explain the logic behind keeping the media out of practice sessions, Sports Authority of India joint secretary Pravir Krishan said the decision to restrict scribes was taken keeping in mind security concerns during the February 28-March 13 event.
(With PTI inputs)
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