Go empty-handed to watch Hockey World Cup matches seems to be the message of Delhi Police to spectators going to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
In an extra bid to ensure foolproof security for the mega sporting event, police have come up with a list of 39 items that cannot be carried into the stadium where the matches are being held.
Flags, musical instruments, balloons, whistles and torn papers which add to the 'masala' in the gallery are among the prohibited items. Fans are also not allowed to carry pens, pencils and even coins, a senior police official said.
Binoculars, cameras and laser lights are also in the list of the prohibited items, he said.
Spectators were in for a rude shock on Sunday, the first day of the tournament, when police prevented them from taking even coins, pens or pencils inside the stadium, fearing that they might be thrown at players.
"We have been given a list of prohibited items. We cannot take any chance, so we did not allow anyone to carry coins, pens or pencils," the official said.
However, fans cried foul and they feel that such measures are taking away the charm of watching a match in a stadium.
{{/usCountry}}However, fans cried foul and they feel that such measures are taking away the charm of watching a match in a stadium.
{{/usCountry}}Says an avid hockey fan Sarabjit Singh, "without a flag or a whistle, what is the fun in watching a match. Nobody likes to watch a match like attending a funeral. This is security paranoia."