Sun 5 Jul, 2009
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India-US women's hockey tie in Delhi  x65
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| United States |
October 5, 2001 
Rediff
> Page Views 3172
India's crucial three-match series against the United States, which will determine the last team to qualify for next year's women's World Cup hockey, will be held in Delhi.
India finished seventh -- the last qualifying place - in the just-concluded qualifier in France, after Lithuania were suspended due to technical reasons.
Before the tournament the organizers announced that the top six teams would qualify directly for the 10th World Cup at Perth in November-December 2002 while the seventh position holder would have to play a series against the U.S, who could not make it to the tournament because of the terrorists attacks in their country.
"The venue will be New Delhi because we have all the facilities available here," Amrit Bose, secretary of the Indian Women's Hockey Federation, said. "But the dates will be decided only next week."
India were to play the winner of the Lithuania-Ireland match for the seventh place, but that match was not completed due to a technical blunder involving the sequence of penalty-strokes. After the first set of tiebreakers did not break the deadlock, Lithuania won the second 6-5 but with a wrong sequence of strokes.
Ireland's complaint was upheld and the two teams were asked to take another set of penalty-strokes. But Lithuania did not turn up, thinking it had won the match, prompting the organizers to suspend the team and declare Ireland the winner and giving it the fifth spot.
Since Lithuania were not available to play against India, the International Hockey Federation awarded the seventh place to the latter and asked it to take on the U.S, which had withdrawn from the qualifying meet due to security reasons.
Bose said the dates for the India-U.S. match had not been decided as the three IWHF advisors had to be consulted.
"The decision will be taken most probably on Monday in consultation with chief coach A K Bansal and advisors Balkishen Singh, Jaman Lal Sharma and M P Ganesh (all former India players) who will reach here next week."
Bose said a camp would be held to prepare the Indian team for the series. It will begin on October 15, "and we will decide Monday whether to hold it in Delhi or Patiala."
England, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Ireland and Scotland are the six teams that made it to the World Cup from the qualifying tournament.
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Comments on this article
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Joanne
10-07-2001 3:40 am
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India / US games
Too bad the FIH did not pick up the suggestion to make it a 3 or 4 team playoff. But even now, with a 2 team contest, I would find fairer and safer if the games were played on neutral territory.
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h.p.
10-07-2001 9:42 am
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neutral site
i feel a neutral site is in order. obviously the us and india are too close to the terrorist activity - considering kashmir and new york. an alternative would be to play the games in sydney or perth and let both teams experience a netral site where either the olympics were held or where the world cup will be held. just a thought
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Michael
10-07-2001 2:06 pm
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Attention FIH!
I completely agree! Why would one country have the advantage of a home series? Think of this. If the USA would have participated in France, India would most likely not even be in this possition, as (given the US being 2nd seed) India would not even have been among the top 7. I really have nothing against India or the Indians, in the contrary, but I think they are getting an unfair advantage. I think it is their job, as topsporters, to bring this point to the attention of the FIH.
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jesse
10-07-2001 5:57 pm
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I think most of us are over-rating the US team ..(2nd seed????).(like Cuba was 7th seed in the world rankings!!!!)
I think there is no harm in playing in Delhi. Moreover you may find a larger no of people coming out to see the games at least. If you think that Delhi is not safe ..I'm sure you can play in Bombay or Madras where it would be safer.
If the world still thinks that the region of South-east asia is not safe then I'd suggest playing in the Falkland islands!
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Herb
10-08-2001 6:46 am
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playing in India
Not safe for the players of either team. The FIH need to locate a neutral site for this match to be completed. I am sure the FIH and India would not want to see anything bad happen to either team in India, so in the interest of safety of the teams first - go to a neutral site.
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me
10-08-2001 7:55 am
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hey guys..
would u do me a favor and join my club? the url is :-
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/hockeyfreaksdugout
and why not have it in hyderabad? patiala's fine as well... they have all the facilities there i guess and im so very sure that there'll be lotsa people who'll come out and watch the game!!its just a thought...
thanx a lot!!
xoxo
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Kiran
10-08-2001 11:27 am
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Its all about the Money
Hey Guys,
It would be just wonderful to hold the tournament in a neutral country, but you all are overlooking one very important detail; the cost associated with such an undertaking. The way I see it, the US is being given a second chance because they couldn't show up to the World Cup qualifier, they have to accept any venue they are given. My guess is that India was given the benefit of having a home series not to give them any unfair advantage, but because it would be unfair to them (having a lot less resources than the US) to shell out so much more money to play in another country when they already spent so much on the tournament in France..... and if the US is such a great team (2nd Seed?), they should have no problem defeating India, no matter who's turf they're playing on...
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Beth
10-08-2001 11:34 am
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safety
Though we have no way of knowing what the world will look like a few months from now, when these games will be played, I think the most obvious location should be somewhere in Europe. England, Germany or the Netherlands have great pitches, and would seem more appropriate and safer than Delhi or any other site in India.
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Joanne
10-08-2001 2:19 pm
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Solution
It is indeed not fair if the Indians would have to make extra expenses in order to travel to a neutral site. The FIH could partly make up for their lost face (Amiens!), if they would carry the financial burden for the Indian team.
And by the way, everyone knows how heavy home advantage counts, even if the visiting team is (supposedly) the stronger one. Let's not kid ourselves on this!
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Nadia
10-08-2001 5:47 pm
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be safe first
So if something tragic where to happen we can say it was because of lack of money...... how bad would that be for field hockey in the world. It is not about a field advantage, but in the interest of safety for the teams, and I think Beth makes a good point, who knows what things will be and what will the world look like then - there is no advantage when considering peoples safety, I hope the FIH SERIOUSLY consider a neutral site - the usa team could potentially be a hugely visible target of terrorism, and there has already been enough violence - let these teams play, where they are all safe. Good luck to both teams.
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unbelievable
10-08-2001 6:42 pm
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safety
Are you kidding me? The FIH has clearly lost their minds having this game in India. Who cares about home field advantage. There is a war going on over in that vicinity that will probably be escalated in a few months. Granted it is a few countries over, but it's still not safe to send a group of Americans over to that part of the world right now. Use some common sense for once!
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dip
10-08-2001 9:44 pm
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I agree its probably not the best idea to send americans to Asia at the moment, but lets face it, its field hockey were talking about i doubt anybody will know that the team is even there.
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bryan
10-09-2001 10:36 am
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to applebees army
applebees army - you need to settle down a bit! you are way to hyper on all your comments
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Liz
10-09-2001 10:41 am
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Totally agree with dip - it's ridiculous to assume the US women's fieldhockey team presents a prime target for terrorists. I'm sure they'll play and everything will be just fine.
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sensible
10-09-2001 3:40 pm
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ridiculous.....I think not.
Assuming can be very dangerous. FIH needs to air on the side of caution. It is their responsibility to do so as a governing federation.
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BJ
10-09-2001 3:57 pm
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Caution
Of course they are not the prime target for terrorists, but why take chances.
Especially since it is unfair anyway to have the games in India. I hope the FIH will for once use logic, and have the series played elsewhere.
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matty
10-09-2001 4:23 pm
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too close for comfort
Playing in India is too risky. The USA team will be traveling as a national side representing America. To Liz: Do you think that terrorist care what sport they play?
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Applebee's Army
10-09-2001 4:31 pm
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to bryan
Hyper? Perhaps you aren't proud enough.
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Traveler
10-09-2001 5:59 pm
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Hey Liz, been out of your own country lately?????
Of course a hockey team isn't a prime target, duh!!!! But obviously you haven't watched CNN, they are warning Americans in the Middle East to not leave their respective homes and you want a group of Blonde, English speaking, cute hockey girls to go to India, are you insane??????? According to the map ( On CNN ), India is a stones throw away from Afghanistan. I'm sure they would love for you to attend and cheer them on, it may be hard for you to get a flight there, maybe you could hop on a B2bomber.........OUT
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dip
10-09-2001 6:48 pm
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why is everyone treating india like a war zone!!?? there were wars going on in yugoslavia but that didn't stop sports going on in neighbouring europe. But i suppose its different cos it concerns an asia nation and not a european one. I'm not saying the us team should go to india but drives me mad people talking about india like it has a disease.
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concerned
10-10-2001 4:35 am
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There is concern for USA teams traveling especially out of the country because Americans in particular have been targeted. The LPGA just cancelled a tournament in South Korea; the Ryder Cup in England has been postponed a year; Tiger Woods and Michelle Kwan didn't travel. India is in Asia and Asia isn't a safe spot. France wasn't a safe spot during the WCQ as there were plans to blow up the US Embassy. The concern here is the safety of the USA Team, so let's focus on that. The airline industry is in deep trouble, as is the whole travel industy because of the madness of Sept. 11th. People are concerned about flying in general and to send our girls out of the country to an area that is, indeed, unsafe for them would be madness. The country is at war!!! The FIH should recognize this and send the two teams to a place where they can play without concern for their lives. This, is the issue. These are not ordinary times!!!
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Liz
10-10-2001 7:14 am
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To traveler: yes, I have in fact been out of my country lately. Plus you have no clue which country I am from, or which country I am in right now. That might be worth an inquiry before you go lecturing me (you obviously being someone who only ever learnt about Afghanistan's geographical situation from CNN, and someone who is able to throw stones quite an impressive distance).
And I would have absolutely no problem with travelling to India for these games, and getting a flight there will certainly not be a problem. I am not American, and I might just be totally indifferent about who gets to go to the WC!?
Apart from all that, I just want to add another thought: the US women are not only travelling to Delhi for this qualifier, but they will be playing the Champs Challenge there in December. As far as I know, there has been no formal request to change either the venue of the qualifier or the Champs Challenge from the USFHA. So how come that if the players and officials are ok with going to India, you people get all excited about it?
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practical
10-10-2001 7:56 am
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I am a little concerned by some of the comments that have been posted on this topic of US/India. First of all, let's all agree on one thing: the world is at war right now. It is affecting every person and every country, whether your country's political leaders are in support of the United States or not, their decision will have future implications. Next, I would like to give props to the person known as "concerned" who listed several major sporting events that have been affected by the tragic incidents on Sept. 11. Point well observed. To the individuals who are questioning the safety of the US team in India, I have this to say.......watch CNN, read a newspaper and wake up. Americans everywhere are being encouraged to be low-key and extremely concerned for their safety. Is this anyway to live? So Liz, why would the FIH want to give the terrorists a great opportunity to make another statement by putting 20 blonde, English speaking girls decked out in US apparel in a country that is as "traveler" says "a stones throw away from Afghanistan"? This makes no sense! I believe that someone at the FIH will realize what is at stake here....not just a World Cup Qualifying series, but war, death, lives, civilization, safety and freedom. Let us all remember, this is only a game. Yes, it is also a dream of some of these participants (to represent your country in an international sporting event), but is it worth jeopardizing your life and the lives of your friends, teammates, and family members? I am confident that sound minds will prevail within the FIH and this series will occur at the appropriate time and location. Best of luck to all, and may the best team prevail.
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Nigel
10-10-2001 8:15 am
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To the Traveler and to Bryan
There are some inconsistencies in what you both say. First, to the Traveler: India may be a "stone's throw" away from Afghanistan if your throwing arm is a couple of hundred miles. There is territory that closely abuts each border, but you must realize just how huge these nations are.
And Bryan -- pipe down. From what I can tell, Applebee's Army is rallying supporters like the ones in English football. And I don't think Americans are ones to throw tables through windows or act hooligan.
Hockey supporters? That's a new one, for sure. I hope the concept works!
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traveler
10-10-2001 8:41 am
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So LIZ, where are you from?????? If you tell me maybe I could look on my CNN map, and learn more about geography. I am well aware of the fact that the "Champs Challenge" as you refer to it, is in India. I would have to assume that having to go to India not only once, but twice is worrysome to the American team. Come on Liz get real, as Concerned and Practical have said get a hold of a US paper and really try to put yourself in this situation. It is not as easy as you make it sound. This is the scarest event to take place since World War 2. Yet you still think they should go???? Are you for real or what?
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Liz
10-10-2001 8:44 am
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Dear practical,
did you read my post at all? Why does there have to be 'someone at the FIH to realize what is at stake here'? If the US players are concerned for their safety, then let them ask the FIH to change the qualifier's venue. If they don't even voice their concerns (assuming they have concerns), they mustn't expect the FIH to anticipate them.
I am confident the US girls are mature enough to take their own decision on whether going to Delhi is worth it, no matter what you think of their decision.
And you might want to try to not unreflectedly repeat parts of others' comments that were incorrect in the first place. Just because traveler says Delhi is a stone's throw from Afghanistan doesn't necessarily mean it's true.
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Liz
10-10-2001 9:45 am
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Why would I get a US paper to get informed on the situation? Because they tell the truth? Yeah, right. Does the word propaganda mean anything to you?
If I put myself in the situation, I know that I would go to Delhi, but this is not about me, or about whether I think tehy should go, it is about whether they want to go and will go, and I repeat for the umpteenth time, there has been no request or complaint by the USFHA regarding the venue. This can only be interpreted as them not worrying about it half as much as Concerned, Practical, and Traveler.
And traveler, FYI, I was born and raised in Sarajevo. Try find that on your CNN map.
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insider
10-10-2001 10:19 am
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to Liz
Are you sure about the fact no one from the USA Delegation has raised those concerns?? You are a bit off base on your speculations about what the usa team wants, needs, concerns, etc as well - this is a forum to express opinions, lets no shoot that down, no one view is right or wrong. maybe some things are factually not accurate, but again - lets allow all opinions and not attack each other
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Joanne
10-10-2001 10:56 am
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Safe or .............fair
As the one who started this whole discussion I want to point out that safety is only of secondary concern in this case. I am sure that no one will deny that it will be safer for the US girls (who are definitely not all blond, but this aside) to play somewhere in W.Europe. I just think it would be more fair to play on neutral territory, and if it clearly is safer, why not do so? I am sure that even a rigid body like the FIH will understand and hopefully agree on this.
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practical
10-10-2001 11:04 am
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Dear Liz -
Unfortunately I did not read your post until after I sent my message. I apologize for my lack of instataneous information. Maybe you can explain to me and the rest of the field hockey audience the exact role of the FIH...I want to save some of your precious time, so I pulled the following off the FIH website: "In many ways, the FIH serves as the 'guardian' of the sport. It works in co-operation with both the national and continental organisations to ensure consistency and unity in hockey around the world. The FIH not only regulates the sport, but is also responsible for its development and promotion so as to guarantee a secure future for hockey." With this being said, I think that is the responsibility of the FIH to make a decision that affects the entire field hockey world, as they did in allowing the playoff series. Has the USFHA filed and official concern? I am not priviledged to that information, but I am sure the issue has been discussed. If you have further information, I would be interested to hear.
I do not question the maturity nor the decision making of the US girls. But let me put you in a situation - you are on the team and feel it is safe to travel overseas while terrorist attacks are prevalent, but your roommate and teammate decides it is not safe and she will not be attending, even though she is a key integral component to the team's success. This is undoubtibly a tough situation and one that I feel should not be up to the individuals, but rather the organization. You should not put peers in a situation involving life and death when considering whether or not to play a game - that is humanity 101. Although, I guarantee you that if you asked the US team if they wanted to be in France or travel to India (knowing they would be safe from harm) they would all respond with a resounding "yes, and Go USA!"
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david
10-10-2001 3:33 pm
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There's lot of speculation going on here.
USA has no choice. Under usual circumstances a team which fails to appears for the qualifier loses its chance. But because of the nature of the events FIH gave a chance to US to travel to the home of Seventh-placed team for the play-offs.
Since India happened to finish seventh, US have to travel to the choice of their opponent or forgo their WC berth (?)
But if India wants to travel to US they can opt for it.
Anyhow the series are scheduled for next year and hopefully peace will return by then.
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jesse
10-10-2001 5:23 pm
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Hockey..a romantic sport
Can't add much more to everything that has been already said, but I can add one thing...if you guys dont go to Delhi ...you miss a good opportunity to see the Taj Mahal....which you wanna see sometime in your lifetime!!
Good luck to both teams..where ever this tourney is going to be held!
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Rob H.
10-10-2001 6:01 pm
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true, because during a war everyone should go where there is a chance of danger, and then sightsee when they should be trying to get to the world cup, yeah, that is what the usa team should be concentratin on - and david is right, send them, they have to go, they were allowed not to go, you know because of the terrorists, and that is some kind of advantage, so lets make them go there, and they have to regardless because it is a rule! HOW STUPID ARE YOU ALL. Let them go if it is safe, otherwise make the necessary arrangements so that both teams are able to perform at their best. Sport is secondary to this. And, who knows what the landscape of the world will be. Be safe, then go from there.
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benny15
10-10-2001 6:15 pm
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so who is liz, and who cares. the tourn. should be played on neutral and thats thats - and safety is the #1 concern. if india can't afford it, maybe the committee can pay half the expense or some part. - there are many places it can be. but WHATEVER - GO USA.....
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Lenny09
10-11-2001 1:28 am
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I agree with benny. i think it should be a neutral site as well.
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Concerned
10-11-2001 4:40 am
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I'm glad that the concensus by far is:
It's NOT safe for the USA to play in India.There is a war and it would be madness to send our team to unsafe nations. Lives are the most important factor here. The FIH should reassess the situation in light of this extradinary fact which is beyond the control of all parties. The US team wanted to go to France and avoid all this, but then, no one wanted Sept 11th to happen. The FIH should relocate this series to a safe spot . Let common sense and decency prevail . These are the worst of times!!
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TOTC
10-11-2001 10:20 am
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Is any spot "safe" anymore?
Unless you want to play in South Dakota or Colorado under one of the NORAD domes, I don't think you can play field hockey in a completely safe place.
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Bridget
10-11-2001 3:25 pm
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FIH
I really wonder if anybody high up there in the FIH is following this discussion. If so, could you plse confirm this (even anonymously), and let us know if it will be a topic at the next major FIH meeting.
Thx.
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Kiran
10-12-2001 12:19 am
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Safety
Afghanistan is not equal to India, India is a democracy just like the US,
There is some terrorism in India,
Just like the US (as Tim McVeigh showed us, terrorism is not always external).....
Moreover, living in this world is a risk, wherever you go. Terrorism in India does not target the US, and geographic location hardly matters as shown in the Sept. 11th attack. So if its just that the US is afraid to get on a plane, it doesn't matter where the plane is heading, highjacking is pretty random, it could be heading to Western Europe or India, hardly makes a difference to terrorists. Terrorists seek publicity, and since field hockey gets a lot less coverage on the media, it is clear that yes it matters what sport you play, a Baseball team for instance would be a prime target for terrorists since it is much more popular in the US and it is also used as a symbol of the US. And if it so unsafe to get on planes, why make 2 teams travel, putting both at risk, India should be given the benefit of staying at home since the players live in such a 'unsafe' environment to begin with and lets not forget that the purpose is to accomodate the US, beggars can't be choosers. It can be argued that in the wake of the Sept. 11th attack, so many people of Arab or South Asian descent were attacked (and some killed), it is unsafe for the Indian team to travel to the US (or any Caucasian country since if they're white they must hate Brown people, right?) since they are brown in pigment. Do you really believe that? Well take away your CNN, American newspapers and all that propaganda, and that's what your argument of safety looks like from this angle, you're taking the safety issue too far, you can't possibly sit in your room and lock your door. The overriding concern of India is whether they have the resources to play outside their country, of course if the US is paying for them then I'm sure they'd be more than willing to travel. Life goes on, so does Sport, so Let the Games Begin!
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moderate
10-12-2001 9:28 am
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Safety v Freedom
The risks of international travel, even now, are small. As a UK resident i've just travelled via middle east, and felt safe (and i'm not brave)
The US hockey team should go to India and play. If you can't travel the world for fear of your safety then, you'll have to take up baseball and american football; sports that the rest of the world is happy to let you play in your own back yard. Meanwhile the rest of us compete in international competition to further international understanding, and ultimately, peace.
The FIH has given you one break, get on with it.
Otherwise I propose a new competition for hcokey nations, ' how to appeal to the FIH' current leaders are Ireland but the Us are currently second seeds in this competition.
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Shiv
10-12-2001 10:14 am
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Logical
I think we should all read Joanne's comment (of 10-10) where she argues that it is just not fair that this play-off should take place at the home grounds of one of the contestants. I can assure you that Delhi is quite safe, but I can very well imagine that some neutral location in W.Europe will be fairer and (supposedly) safer. Of course the FIH has given the USA a break, it would be rediculous not to do so in this case. But at the same time the FIH put them at a disadvantage for not allowing them to start the Amiens WCQ a few days late, as the USFHA would have preferred. The only thing the FIH had to do was to make some minor changes in the schedule. But they did not, and later screwed up again with the Lithuania/Ireland game. So, I personally would think that, taking everything into account, it would be very logical to have the playoff on safe, neutral grounds.
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BC Fan
10-12-2001 11:28 am
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RE: Shiv
Canada would be a great host. With a strong Indian Community to show support and also an affection for the US. UBC in Vancouver will have their "Turf" ready in November. A Wonderful Venue and "Safe" ! It just had a wonderful success hosting the " Golden Oldies" and the US has played here recently and is familiar with the City. We will even let Appleby come up north to cheer on the US Team.
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moderate
10-12-2001 11:30 am
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india
the play-off between 7th place and US should have been explicit prior to finish of tournament to avoid ambiguity.
however, posters to this discussion have to decide whether they are appealing on the ground of safety [B]or[/B] fairness.
to appeal on both simultaneously looks like opportunism..
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german
10-12-2001 1:29 pm
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thank you shiv
shiv, your comment really made up for quite a few entries that were rather ignorant and didn't show too much knowledge of the country of india. you really ended this whole discussion for me by stating your point. i totally agree!
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BJ
10-12-2001 3:00 pm
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Shiv
Shiv, you really put things into perspective. I wish the FIH would be as clear, outspoken and to the point. I really hope they will read this. And as for Canada as a host, I think it is a great idea! Maybe the Canadian team can come and watch and learn how to play f.hockey (sorry, just a little joke...)
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arumugam
10-13-2001 6:06 am
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dear gugys
make no mistake india has been fighting terrorism last twenty years with success too. i assure everyone Delhi is as safe as any other city in Europe or latin Americca. We all look forward to classic usa Vs India clashes. Kindly remember before the Dublin world cup India and USA fought for the last slot that is fifth place. That way both teams are eually strong.
with regards
arumugam
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Applebee's Army
10-13-2001 7:52 am
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BT Fan
Thanks! What's the average temperature in Vancouver in February???
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moderate
10-13-2001 3:17 pm
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go to india
i'm sorry but given the outbrake of anthrax you guys seem to be suffering, i'm surprised that so many of you consider the US 'safe'. One person has tragically died, more are infected in what is obviously a systematic terrorist attack.
Nowhere can guarantee 'safety' fear is an emotional response.
international atheltes control emotions
go to India and flourish, you'll probably win and show the watching world that you deserve credit not only for your play, but your refusal to let terror rules your lives.
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Vancouver Temp
10-13-2001 3:27 pm
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According to StatsCan the average temp in Vancouver in February is 56 farenheit.
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Brad
10-15-2001 11:10 am
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Factual corrections
Guys,
Let's make sure we get our facts right before we start putting forward opinions.
1. "India were to play the winner of the Lithuania-Ireland match for the seventh place"
Incorrect. They were due to play the losing team. Lithuania were defaulted, rather than losing. Therefore India were awarded seventh place.
2. Re: USA as second seed (Michael's post). It does not follow that India "would not even be in this position". Firstly, US were in the opposite pool. So India would still have come into the crossovers, irrespective of the US's presence, ie with the US in France, they would have had the opportunity (at worst) of the 7th/8th playoff.
It's dangerous to draw "what-ifs" but the following general points are worth making:
India's pool match against tournament winners England was probably the game of the tournament. The Indians' ability pushed England closer than anyone else and most neutrals felt that it was a game India deserved more out of. This is a talented Indian side.
India's first crossover against Scotland (and no disrespect meant to Scotland) was a lottery for most of the second half and certainly in extra time. Torrential rain, lightning, all round unbelievable weather made it a toss of a coin. Scotland's courage is to be commended but in the dry periods of the game, India were considerably the better side. Most neutrals would say that India in 7th/8th playoff made for a very difficult playoff prospect. No-one on the far side of the draw wanted to see India waiting for them, I'm sure.
The dynamics of the other pool would changed with the US. Scotland and Lithuania were separated on goals for, having had identical goal differences (and following an "interesting" final pool match between Russia and Lithuania which left many questions in the minds of spectators. The result and performance was a little too convenient for some tastes.
There are no guarantees. The US are not the force that they were 5/6 years ago. Seedings are a little less focused on current results. It would have been very tight, that's for sure.
The FIH were right to grant the US another chance. Terrorists mustn't win. But spare a thought for the Indians, dragged into an extended training period and all the other uncertainties which make planning and preparation very difficult. These problems were not of their making. 7th place (second chance notwithstanding) was the last things most teams in France wanted so tone down some of the rhetoric please. It's about hockey and hopefully we can find a formula that enables both side to compete on as fair a basis as possible.
By the way, I'm European and therefore neutral here.
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amazed
10-15-2001 5:41 pm
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excuses
for not winning matches
umpires
weather
penalty order
pool draw
pitch state
i've done a detailed analysis, and even after correction for the usual whinge factor, this year has been a record!
perhaps some teams lose because they aren't the best team on the day/tournament?
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Beth
10-15-2001 11:47 pm
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to: neural European
Big deal, those facts....
I believe you when you say India is a talented team. But so is the US ( they played England 2-2, and beat Spain 2-1 during the past few months). But the main fact is that it is utterly unfair for the series to take place in India, instead of on neutral terrain.
And by the way, I'm (a neutral) European as well!
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moderate
10-16-2001 12:20 pm
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unfair
it is not 'unfair' if those were the rules presented to the US when they were offered an alternative to travelling to france.
when the FIH ruled against lithiuania - everyone accused them of a bias towards established nations.
now they are standing against US protests, stand firm!
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interested
10-16-2001 12:56 pm
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Who Choses the Officials for the Match
With all this talk of venue, no one has asked who will be the technical and onfield officials for these very important matches.
In reading comments from the tournament there were allegations of being "homered"; that field and technical officials were unaware of rules etc.
Who will be the TDs and Umpires? Are the Officials going to be neutral as well? How many umpires will be sent?
Lets get more answers....
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Agree with Joanne
10-17-2001 2:22 am
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After reading all the comments, I have to agree with Joanne. It would seem that a four country play-off played in a neutral site would allow the teams a fair chance to qualify after all the controversy. I also agree the field and technical officials should be carefully chosen. Now the Champions Challange is probably going to be moved out of India. I guess there are a number of countries that feel it would be unsafe to play there.
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sister
10-18-2001 3:21 pm
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reading comments!
headache. I'd just like to support the us team,and the game. thanx for the opportunity to watch you on the n.e.tour. Ill be supporting wherever you are.
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Denton
10-19-2001 9:26 am
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Venur
why shouldnt it be in India???? Remember the US are been facilitated. I'm surprised they went to the dublin world cup, being a stones throw from the 30yr war zone -belfast!!!! I have a feeling some commentators on this board are a little to full of their own importance. Look outside the bubble and get a passport and start seeing 'the world'. Am I being too harsh???? Apologies if so.
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TOTC
10-19-2001 10:53 am
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Looks like it will be in Jan. in New Delhi
The AP put out four paragraphs this morning (10-19) confirming that it will be in India. There was a rumor that South Africa might serve as a neutral site, but I think it is sensible to play in India.
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onyx
10-23-2001 1:03 pm
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:eek:
Thankfully FIH is standing firm on this issue and the USA is doing exactly what their President suggested and getting on with life.
For all of you who wanted neutral sites.. think about it.. given the events of Sept 11 and the anthrax issues, there really is no safe or neutral place anymore.
Applybees.. better look for cheap airline tickets to Dehli... and enjoy the curry while you are there!
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Wait and See
10-24-2001 2:49 am
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I wouldn't buy those tickets yet!
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Rachna Burman
10-25-2001 4:51 am
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india is a safe venue
i'm an indian woman and i'm dismayed at the "decision" on the CC Cup and some of the attitudes viz the US women's trip.
let me try to clear a few things up.
India may be close to afghanistan --we officially share a common border tho that contiguous area is now under pakistani occupation --but there isn't anything else thats remotely close. our security concerns continue to be the same concerns vis v vis terrorism that we've had --and lived with-- for over 20 years. this new war may have only added to our security headaches for hi-profile INDIAN targets, because the pakistanis have been waging a proxy war with india for decades now (and training Taliban to do their dirty job for them)
in this equation then, americans don't really come into our private little war here. and if they do --the degree of risk to americans here or to the american consulate, american companies etc, is just the same as it would be in any other non-european country.
would also like to point out that India is a multi-religious country with a huge number of christians -did you know that cedric d'souza, india's national (men's) hockey coach, is one, for example? And thus, there isn't any anti-american or anti-christian feeling, unlike in the muslim countries of asia, etc.
so, as ordinary people, we go about our lives as normally as possible, but we are cautious. and it would be great if the rest of the world tries to help us do just that, just as we respond in kind. REMEMBER: THE UTLIMATE OBJECTIVE OF TERRORISTS IS TO BREED FEAR, TO MAKE US VEER AWAY FROM NORMAL ACTIVITY, TO KEEP US SCARED.
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onyx
10-25-2001 8:24 am
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Well Said
Thankyou for those comments about India Rachna!
We North Americans are kinda short sighted aren't we? I figure that one day we are going to wake up and notice with shock that the world does not revolve around us.
You are very right the terrorists want us to be afraid, they want to paralyze us with our own fear. Since that horrific event of Sept 11, now they only need to sit back and spread propeganda and let us and our imaginations and our fear take over.
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saurabh
10-28-2001 9:37 pm
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I dont understand whats wrong with playing in India. Its still a very safe place. There is no trouble whatsoever in the country. And anyway hockey is such a low visibility sport that nonone would care to do anything outrageous. So why all this fuss?
Why should India be robbed of the home advantage just because some people are foolish enough to be scared? Beats me.
India is atleast much safer then playing in US where players would not only be exposed to the risk of anthrax but also Indian players might have to bear the brunt of racial violence. And hockey is not such a popular sport that a neutral country would agree to bear the cost of hosting such an unimportant match.
So lets be practical and not childish and lets get on with it.
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