Australian hockey players await security scan after terror threat

SYDNEY - Despite an Al Qaeda terror threat, no Australian player plans to opt out of the upcoming Hockey World Cup in New Delhi, an official said here Wednesday. But, he added, “if we receive advice that would change those plans then we’ll re-assess”.

Hockey Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said that as of Wednesday, the Kookaburras’ plan to play in the tournament that starts Feb 28 remained unchanged, pending the outcome of security assessments of the terror threat that was published on the Asia Times Online website Monday.

The Kookaburras pulled out of the 2004 Champions Trophy in Pakistan with Hockey Australia (HA) citing security fears. Anderson said HA would take a no-risk approach to the upcoming World Cup, Australian news agency AAP reported.

Global terror network Al Qaeda’s Pakistan arm has warned of attacks in India, particularly targeting upcoming international sports events like the Commonwealth Games, the Hockey World Cup and the IPL cricket tournament.

Asia Times Online said it had received a message from Illyas Kashmiri, who heads the 313 Brigade, an operational arm of the Al Qaeda in Pakistan. The message received Monday, two days after the Pune bombing which killed 11 people, warns international players against participating in the mega sports events in India.

Anderson expects to have a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in India before the team flies out Sunday.

He stressed that the team’s safety was of “paramount importance” and noted extensive security plans were already in place for the tournament.

“We are not forcing any players to go,” Anderson told AAP Wednesday.

“So at any stage if they are not comfortable with the situation they can elect to opt out of the team, so there is no pressure on team members.

“But at this stage there’s no indication that anyone is going to exercise that option.”

He went on to say that the players were being kept “abreast of the situation and they’re aware we’re going through the right process and we’ll provide them with the information once the advice comes to hand as well”.

“There is no decision to be made at the moment, the critical message is we are still planning to attend so all plans are in place for us to keep our current plans.

“If we receive advice that would change those plans then we’ll re-assess. But very much we are still planning on attending.”

He stressed: “There’s no added security as a result of this threat because the security plans were already extensive. And it has the same level of security planning as the Commonwealth Games from local security and police. But obviously they (authorities in India) will be taking on board this latest threat and are assessing those plans to make sure they’re appropriate.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently assessing the reported threat and we will continue to maintain close communication regarding this, and all other security issues.”