'Regrettable that India still host Hockey World Cups': Belgium player's shocking remark

Belgium hockey player Elliot van Strydonck made a controvercial statement in an interview, saying that it is "due to the power of money" that India has been able to host back-to-back Hockey World cups in their country.

The 34-year-old expressed his dissapointment in his interview and said that the decision to give India the hosting rights was unfair to sporting fairness and can be justified only on financial terms.

"The power of money. Belgians know India and its obligations well. They must be careful with water and food. They have their routine. It is regrettable that India still hosts such an event. But India is the only country that can fill stadiums with 20,000 seats every day. The atmosphere is guaranteed. In addition, it is the only nation that can count on global sponsors like Hero or Odisha. The choice makes sense financially, but unfair to sporting fairness. The Red Lions have won everything in 4 years. However, the media coverage of hockey remains too limited here (in Belgium)" said Van Strydonck in an interview.

Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja set to play for Saurashtra ahead of Australia series