CHANDIGARH : Amid heightened security cover, Pakistan and Australian hockey teams arrived in India on Monday for World Cup beginning in New Delhi on February 28.

Australian hockey team was first to reach New Delhi in wee hours on Monday while Pakistan team entered India through the Wagah Border. “Pakistan team crossed Wagah Border at around 1:00 p.m,” BSF spokesperson Jagir Singh said.

New Zealand team will fly out of Perth later Monday. One of Black Sticks players Simon Childe pulled out of the tournament, saying it will not be an “ideal environment” to play under such thick security cover. “It’s not ideal environment to be trying to play best hockey. I think that was major issue that swayed me when I made up my mind,” said Childe, who was with squad in Perth for build-up matches.

Strict security arrangements are in place following terror group al Qaeda’s warning to international athletes against participating in any sports events in India.

Hockey Australia & Hockey New Zealand HNZ reassessed security situation in India after threat by al Qaeda before giving a clearance to their respective teams on Sunday. HNZ had put team’s departure on hold at Perth where they were playing warm-up matches against Australia. They cleared team for participation in World Cup Sunday. “Details we received reassured us that required level of security is in place, therefore we have kept team in the tournament,” said Hilary Poole, chief executive of HNZ.

Canadian team support staff also arrived Monday and team reach Tuesday. “We are happy with security. It’s bit stifling with so many security personnel around,” coach Alan Brahmst said.