Media kept away as HI denies any rift in team

New Delhi: There is simply no buzz yet for the Hockey World Cup that is now just three weeks away. The Sports Authority of India has still not allowed the media to interact with the players or even watch them train, and an insipid press conference on Thursday did little to ease the tension.

An unconventional setting for a press conference of the national hockey team: the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi. Now it was their chance to vent their frustration. In the firing line were the coach and the media manager.

"I assure you there will be a way out," said media manager Anupam Gulati.

"I'm requesting from this dais that at least twice or thrice in a week, my boys and some of the coaches should interact with the media and talk about the preparation among other things," assured Harendra Singh, the coach.

Surprisingly, not a single player was fielded for the press meet. So recent speculation of a divide in the team over captaincy continues. Reports say chief coach Jose Brasa was keen to promote Prabhjot Singh as captain, but the selectors stuck to Rajpal Singh. But the coaching staff denies all talk of a rift.

"It's the job of the federation and the coaches to decide," Harendra said. "If something is there myself and Mr Brasa will consult with the federation. But until the time we finish our training, there is nothing suggesting any rift in the team."

India's first game of the tournament against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 28 will be a tough tester. After being beaten comprehensively by Pakistan in the semi-final of the Champions Challenge in Argentina last year, the pressure will be on in front of a full house at home.

"Each of our boys know that our first match, whether or not against Pakistan, is very important," the coach added. "Let them play their natural game, let them enjoy the home crowd's support. Secondly, the public who come to watch the game, they should realise that this team is a different team."

So the build-up continues to the big day. But the question remains when the media will be allowed in for a first glimpse.