23 janvier 2008
Belgian hockey players prefer auto ride to bus
Having arrived here five days prior to the start of the Test series, the Belgian national hockey team, preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is apparently keeping a tight reins on the purse strings. Staying at a hotel about a kilometre from the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium where the five Tests would be played January 25-31, the Belgian players preferred to take the three-wheeler auto-rickshaw to commute to the ground rather than the usual air-conditioned bus that would have cost them far more.
It was quite a scene this evening outside the stadium with the 20 players along with the six-member support staff and their newly appointed Australian coach Adam Commens, hiring a number of city 'autos' that are notorious for speed and reckless driving. With cameras in hand, the players took every opportunity to 'shoot' street scenes much to the amusement of other road users.
Their qualification to the Olympics has increased the funding of the national team that hitherto had to make do with a shoestring budget. 'There is far more awareness of hockey in Belgium now that we have qualified for the Olympics and our team has become more attractive for sponsors,' said Commens.
Yet, the Belgians preferred to exercise more care in their spending. They will be eligible for a courtesy transport from Jan 24.
Communiqué de IANS (Indo-Asian News Service) - 22 janvier 2008