Seeking support from one and all for smooth conduct of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup, the State Government has made a clarification saying ticket-selling for the opening ceremony of the HWC was online, and it is the Hockey India’s responsibility.
“Tickets were sold online for the Hockey World Cup opening ceremony by the Hockey India. It doesn’t fall under the purview of the Sports Department of the State. Still, the department has been blamed for it,” said the Sports and Youth Services.
Mentioning Media reports that an altercation had erupted between department Secretary and a TV reporter at the former’s office, the department said, “A tense moment erupted because of the pressures of the upcoming event has been portrayed as a personal attack.”
“The department and its representatives have no axe to grind with any reporter and media house. We understand the complexities and difficulties of the Media job and appreciate their working.”
It said there was no official Press conference when the dispute happened.
In fact, some TV channels had had sought an appointment with the Secretary to know answers to some specific queries.
“While these were being answered by the Secretary, a reporter barged in without permission and placed his mike ID on the Secretary’s table,” it said.
Coming uninvited and without permission into an officer’s room is against protocol and at this point, he (reporter) was asked to leave the room and come back later in a firm but polite way, clarified the department further.
Stating that only a week to go before the Hockey
World Cup kicks off in the State, the department said, “It will be a moment of pride for the State”.