Bengaluru: The Indian junior men’s hockey team’s preparation for the World Cup, which starts next month, has been hampered when several players at the national camp in Bengaluru tested positive for dengue fever.
In the previous two weeks, up to 50 of the 200-plus trainees at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Southern Centre, representing various sports, have been sick with fever and weakness. According to Bengaluru SAI’s chief Ritu Pathik, five athletes — four from the junior hockey squad and one from track and field – tested positive for dengue. The track and field athlete was admitted to the hospital as a ‘precautionary measure,’ while the rest of the athletes were treated on the SAI campus.
“Because of heavy rainfall here, we have had around 40-50 trainees who have reported fever and weakness in the last two weeks. Out of them, five tested positive for dengue. They are all doing well now and we are taking all preventive measures, including fumigation,” Pathik told The Indian Express.
According to hockey sources, there were close to a dozen players who tested positive for dengue fever. Pathik, on the other hand, refuted this. The last time the World Cup was held, India’s junior squad won it. However, due to the pandemic, their preparations have been significantly hampered, and the dengue outbreak has only compounded their concerns.
The crew was supposed to leave for South Africa last week, but the trip has been postponed for the time being. Given that the players haven’t played in a competitive match since the pandemic began, the tour would have provided an opportunity for the team to put itself to the test ahead of the Junior World Cup.
Graham Reid, who coached India’s senior squad to its first Olympic medal in 41 years, is also in charge of the youth team. BJ Kariappa, a long-time junior team coach, will assist him. The Junior World Cup is set to commence on November 24 in Bhubaneswar, despite the withdrawal of nations such as Australia, England, and New Zealand due to worries about Covid-19.
When asked about the number of players who have been sick and the state of the South African tour, Hockey India remained silent.
