SYDNEY, April 7: The Indian hockey team which arrived here today was in for a rude shock when they were told that the hospitality extended to them was confined to only "breakfast" and they would have to pay for rest of their meals.This forced the team manager Col. Siddiqui to send an urgent message to the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) asking for eight to nine thousand dollars to be sent to them urgently to take care of their needs for the next 13 days.
The organisers' attitude caught the Indian team by surprise as usually the hosts extend all meal hospitality to the visiting teams.
The Indian team is to play in double leg four-nation tournament to be held here and in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, IHF chief KPS Gill said that he was not aware of any such happening. "This is not a big issue, rather it's no issue. If the team needs money, we will send it."
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
