They were protesting at having only limited access to the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, the main venue of the tournament, despite promises from the organisers that the accredited persons would be allowed to visit it regularly.

Even a day prior to the tournament, the media centre was not operating properly.

Negre had just made his opening remarks, apologising for the inconvenience to the media personnel were subjected to, when the Indians made their stance clear and walked out, stunning the FIH President.

Unprecedented security arrangements resulted in the the media being prevented from carrying their equipment into the stadium.

Police verification process, scanners, metal detectors and hundreds of armed policemen and commandos that give the venue the look of a war zone have annoyed journalists.

Pakistani journalists too joined in the protest in a show of solidarity with their Indian counterparts.



Negre said: "I apologise for the inconveniences you have faced.

"You [the media] are part of the hockey family.

"All of you know at this moment that security concern is there.

"It is not in our hands.

"Personally I found it difficult to go into the stadium."

The media centre was finally opened in the evening as security was further tightened at the venue.


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