Hockey tournament laid low by fund crunch

NEW DELHI: Handicapped by severe financial crunch and absence of sponsorship, the Lal Bahadur Shastri four-nation women's hockey tournament starting here on Saturday is spiked before its take-off.
    
While the International Hockey Federation recommends at least five-star accommodation for the players and officials, they have been housed at an ordinary hotel in the city.
    
As the players are spending their nights on sofas and even on the floor of the hotel, lack of funds is also hampering other aspects of organisation.
    
Upto the neck with troubles, the desperate organizers tell their story of utter helplessness to which none is ready to lend an ear.
    
"We are still running from pillar to post to arrange something. We still hope that something could be done at the last minute," Chairman of Lal Bahadur Hockey Society Kamal Chaudhary said.
    
"The players deserve at least five-star accommodation and we very sad to say that we cannot provide them not even two-star facilities. They spent last night on sofas and floors. But we are determined to make up for that with our goodwill and hospitality," Chaudhary said.
    
"In these conditions nobody would want to come and play, but thanks to the players, they are taking all the trouble to participate in the tournament. This is in fact a miracle that we are staging it," he added.