Guwahati is capable to host Junior World Cup Hockey: Gyanendro Ningombam

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The president of the Hockey India (HI) Gyanendro Ningombam feels Guwahati is capable to host the next edition of the Junior World Cup Hockey Championship which is allotted to India. The tentative date of the meet is September-October this year.

Assam Hockey already expressed their interest to host the event in Guwahati and they are in touch with the State Government. Now the ball is in Government's court as its green signal is mandatory to allot the hosting right.

Gyanendro, hails from Manipur, today visited the MaulanaToyabulla Hockey Stadium. During this visit he met with the key officials of Assam Hockey and discussed different issues. Later the president of HI interacted with the young players of the State.

Talking to The Sentinel during this visit Gyanendro today admitted that Guwahati is capable of hosting this prestigious championship. The city has good infrastructure for the game and also can provide other logistic support which is required for this type of international event.

"Our expert team already visited the city and inspected the infrastructure of hockey. They also collected information on other issues related to this mega event. The report is good. However before we take any final decision we need proper assurance from the State Government because several serious issues, including security of the team, are involved with the meet," said Gyanendro.

Meanwhile Gyanendro, who is the first person from North East to become the president of Hockey India, today advised the young players of the state to play the game with more determination and be confident in their own ability. Addressing the players at the stadium he said,"Manipur is a much smaller state than Assam but we were able to produce six Olympian in this game. You too can represent India in the mega event like Olympics. Keep faith in your ability and work hard. We are ready to provide you all kinds of support."

Gyanendro also announced to provide 50 hockey sticks and the same number of balls to Assam Hockey soon.

Several top officials of Hockey Assam including Working President KishorJayantaMadhab, Vice President D DKhaund and secretary Tapan Das were present at the stadium during the visit of Gyanendro.

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