World Cup: India-Pak match tickets sold out

India pip Argentina in warm-up tie

A top Hockey India official said that not only India-Pakistan encounter, the tickets for the stadium's Western stand will not be sold to general public for the entire tournament on security grounds.

"There are no tickets for India-Pakistan match. It is already a sell out. But the tickets of heritage block, the western end, will not be sold to public for the entire tournament.It is the strict instructions of security agencies as the VIP, VVIP boxes, media box, players' dressing room are all situated in that area. Only accredited persons can access the area," the HI official said.

He, however, rejected reports that the organisers have stopped the sale of tickets for the opening day due to security concerns and plain clothes policemen would fill the 19,000 capacity stadium during the Indo-Pak encounter.

"No, it is not true. It is completely rubbish. The tickets are all sold out except for the heritage block," the official said.

India score

Hosts India defeated Argentina 2-1 in their first practice match of the forthcoming World Cup.

Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh gave India the lead through a penalty corner while captain Rajpal Singh’s field goal sealed the match in favour of the home team. India will next play the Netherlands in their second practice game on Thursday.

Meanwhile,  Sports Ministry said it had earmarked Rs 10.74 crore in 2009-10 for national hockey teams’ training, participation in international competitions, hiring coaches and buying equipment.