New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) With the Pakistani and Australian hockey teams arriving in New Delhi Monday for the World Cup, security was heightened at Le Meridian hotel where the players will be staying. A tight vigil has also been mounted around the Metro stations in the vicinity.

At least a dozen policemen and armed security personnel stood at the gates of the hotel and allowed entry only after strict scrutiny. Several other security personnel were stationed around the area.

'There is an elaborate, fool-proof security arrangement in place for safety of the hockey teams who are here for the World Cup. All guests visiting the hotel are properly scrutinised before being allowed entry,' Joint Commissioner of Police (Security) S. Nityanandam told IANS.

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

The World Cup will begin in New Delhi Feb 28.