Kalmadi to meet hockey players

Kalmadi is expected to meet the players, who have stalled the World Cup preparatory camp here for the last five days in protest against non-payment of their dues and incentives, in the afternoon and convince them to resume training after talks between HI and the striking campers failed yesterday.

The IOA President's involvement is seen as the last resort to solve the biggest ever crisis that has rocked India hockey, especially with World Cup just round the corner.

Former India captain Dhanraj Pillay has also arrived at the Belawadi Sports Complex to help find a solution to the problem.

"We have made some progress and I have come to meet players here on the instructions of the Hockey high command. It is quite possible that in half-an-hour, you will come to hear some positive development," Pillay told reporters after arriving here.

Meanwhile, the members of junior Indian team have extended their support to the seniors, saying they are not only fighting for their own cause but for the future of the country's hockey players.

"We are supporting the battle. We are all fighting together, we are fighting as one team. Everyone will be benefited from the fighting including the women's and junior players," said V Raghunath, a member of the junior team which is preparing for the forthcoming SAF Games to be held in Dhaka.

"If the 22 in Pune are sacked, we are not going to play in the World Cup as a back up team," he added.