Indian men's hockey team's absence upsets fans

Angry fans are demanding a refund on their tickets after learning that the Indian men's hockey team will not be figuring in the field hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Strange qualifying norms -- one team from each Commonwealth region along with the defending champions and hosts -- ruled the eight-time Olympic champions out of contention.

Pakistan, by virtue of finishing fourth and ahead of India at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, grabbed Asia's lone berth.

Dhanraj Pillay and company have been forced to stay home even as unlikely hockey nations like Wales and Barbados have been accommodated in the eight-team men's event.

Canada's men and women's teams made the trip to Manchester without breaking sweat - it is the only Commonwealth country from the Americas.

"Whoever made these rules is an idiot," said Manchester resident Avtar Singh, angry that he and thousands of Asian immigrants in this industrial city are being deprived of a mouth- watering clash between India and Pakistan.

"We waited in hope that the organisers would finally see sense and take India in at the last minute.

"I wanted to see India play Pakistan, not Australia or England. I want my money back and I know many of my friends do too," he said.

Games organisers, who framed the rules in consultation with the International Hockey Federation, defended their decision.

"Where else will Wales or Barbados get a chance to play against Pakistan or Australia," said a Games official. "These are, after all, the friendship Games."