Too much security scares NZ striker away from Hockey WC

Concerned over security, Kiwi striker Simon Child has pulled out of the hockey World Cup starting Sunday, even though Hockey New Zealand said it was satisfied with the arrangements made by the Indian government.

Concerned over security, Kiwi striker Simon Child has pulled out of the hockey World Cup starting Sunday, even though Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) said it was satisfied with the arrangements made by the Indian government.

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Child said he took the decision because he felt he could not give his best under such heightened security environment during the February 28-March 13 mega-event.

“It’s not an ideal environment to be trying to play your best hockey and to be performing for your country,” he was quoted as saying from Perth by the New Zealand Press Association, a new agency here.

“I think that was the major issue that swayed me when I made up my mind. It was extremely tough, probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my life.

“A big part of me of course wanted to go to the World Cup,” said the 21-year-old striker, who already has 119 international caps to his name in his five-year-old career.

But the recent terror threats on foreign athletes visiting India during this year’s World Cup, Indian Premier League and Commonwealth Games has prompted the Aucklander to opt out of the tournament at the last moment.