MEDIA WALKS OUT ON THE EVE OF WORLD CUP HOCKEY MEET

By P.VIJIAN

NEW DELHI, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Miffed by the "hostile" treatment given to the media, a group of journalists walked out as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president was about to address a press meet Saturday.

About 50 journalists, both local and foreign, vacated a press conference
room in a five-star hotel, when Leandro Negre started to speak, when a
Delhi-based foreign agency journalist interrupted to express his
dissatisfaction.

A stunned Leandro started to apologise and pacify the media personnel.

"I am sorry, even I had difficulty entering the stadium today. This is all
because of security," he said.

But the apology came a little late. Camera crew and journalists left the
room, while FIH officials tried to continue with the press conference.

The 12th Hero Honda World Cup Hockey begins Sunday in Delhi, under very
tight security, after militant groups warned of possible attacks early this
month.

With mounting pressure on the organizers, security had been tightened
around
the city and stadium, and journalists had been barred from entering the stadium
to cover any warm up matches or carry electronic items, including laptops.

The World Cup would be played at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi
from Feb 28 to March 13.

-- BERNAMA