The multiple agencies involved in security arrangements, including the district police, traffic police, security cell, central paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies and civic authorities, will all be on full alert for the World Cup, which runs until March 13.

A spokesman for the Indian Government said: "Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal has directed all officers to take it as a dry run for Commonwealth Games security.

"It will be a full-fledged rehearsal where multiple agencies will coordinate and work hand-in-hand to prevent any untoward incident."

Officials hope that if the event runs smoothly without any incidents then it will help allay fears of countries about competing there during the Commonwealth Games, which are due to open on October 3.

The spokesman said: "Though the threat perception to Hockey World Cup is not as high as that of the Commonwealth Games, the standard operating procedures would be the same to check the operational preparedness, reaction time and way of handling any emergency."

The World Cup will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the heart of the city, where as the Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place at multiple venues in October.

For the hockey World Cup, 13 countries, including Pakistan, England, Germany and Australia, are participating.

In the Commonwealth Games, over 70 countries are due to take part.

A senior official said they have put entire Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium under electronic surveillance by installing around 200 close circuit television cameras.


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