Pargat slams IOA, HI for poor planning

“I don’t know who is handling all the activities. The World Cup should have been a showcase for the country but it is turning out to be a disaster. I have never seen such a bad organisation of any tournament in the world,” Pargat told reporters here.

“I don’t know how they are organising but nobody is willing to take responsibility. It’s question of country’s prestige and hockey’s image. It is very unfortunate to see such arrangements for a world event. Even a local club won’t have organised a tournament in such a manner,” Pargat said.

Pargat also said that Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi should take the responsibility of the bad preparation. “If the IOA says it is handling the World Cup, then I doubt how will they organise a massive event like Commonwealth Games. I don’t know what IOA is doing till date after taking over hockey. Being the head of IOA Suresh Kalmadi should own up the responsible,” added Pargat, who is also the Hockey Punjab secretary.

Pargat also said that with just five days to go for the 12-team event, one could hardly make out that the national capital was hosting such a big tournament because of the lack of publicity. “There is no organised publicity. India was hosting such a big tournament but media has been kept at bay from the national team.

“Definitely security is a issue but there are solutions also. Proper arrangements should have been made for the media in advance. It is not a personal team, it is the national team,” said Pargat.