All is Well as hockey players come out to play

Pune:

India's hockey players have resumed practice at the World Cup camp on Thursday morning after getting an assurance that all their demands will be met.

The players began practice early today. Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi had brokered peace yesterday, aided by former India captain Dhanraj Pillay.

The players have been promised Rs 4.5 lakh each by next week. This is what they had said was due them for their podium finishes in 2009.

Kalmadi has tasked Dhanraj Pillay with the responsibility of managing all the inflow of funds from the corporates that promised money for the players, who had revolted and refused to practice for next month's World Cup till their dues and demands were met.

The IOC chief explained the difference between cricket and hockey saying that cricket was a game played between 8-10 countries while the latter was an Olympic sport that was played worldwide. "This hockey crisis will be good for all olympic sports," he added.

He assured that no player would be targetted for the revolt. "Nobody should be targeted. We're not going to curb anybody."

Acknowledging the contribution of former players, Kalmadi announced that some money would also be kept aside for the ex-players of the Indian hockey team.

Kalmadi confirmed that the players would definitely get their incentive if there is a podium finish at the World Cup 2010, starting next month.