Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: With the arrival of Pakistan here for the Champions Trophy hockey tournament starting December 6, security personnel are on their toes to successfully protest their Asian neighbours.
It is for the first time that a full Pakistan squad has arrived here here and adequate measures have been taken to ensure that they do not feel any kind of inconvenience during their stay, security officials said Wednesday.
Busy on his wireless set giving instructions to security guards spread all across the stadium, the security in-charge, BS Patnaik said there would not be any security related problems. “We are always alert and determined to keep our guests here safe. We want to see that the tournament goes on smoothly,” Patnaik stated.
A safer ambience for hockey provided by the state was clearly visible on the faces of Pakistan players Wednesday when they routed a fancied Argentina 3-0 in a practice game.
According to Patnaik, over 75 Group-4 security guards, as many as 35 security personnel of the state sports and youth services department and hundreds of policemen have been deployed at the venue.
A former Army captain, Patnaik had earlier been in-charge of security for several big events including the national youth festival 2010 at the stadium. But the biggest ever event of his life is not something he is worried about. “I am not nervous. I am alert and am very confident that our team will pass the litmus test,” signed off Patnaik.
“Hum log bahut relaxed hai (We are very relaxed)” stated Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran at the end of the game. “The atmosphere is very peaceful and conducive to good hockey,” he added.