Event Notes: India Among Five Nations Bidding To Host 2018 Hockey World Cup

India is among the five countries that have bid for the 2018 Hockey World Cup. The national associations of Australia, England, India, Malaysia and New Zealand have all "put strong cases forward in an attempt to lure the sport's top properties to their territory" (IANS, 9/10). ... Matches in the Islamic Solidarity Games will commence on Saturday, "but the local organizers reportedly have yet to receive the operational funds from the government." The "late disbursement of funds has delayed the purchase of medals, the provision of accommodation for the committee, catering, uniforms, promotional booklets and the installment of tents" (JAKARTA POST, 9/10). ... This year's Qatargas Open Badminton Championship, "billed as the 'biggest' badminton tournament in Qatar," will be held from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 (GULF TIMES, 9/9).