New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) To ensure foolproof cover for the hockey World Cup beginning here Sunday, security personnel have taken charge of the National Stadium where the matches are to be played and the hotel where the teams from various countries are staying, an official said.

The security cell of the Delhi Poice is providing protection to the players, while the local police and commandos of the elite National Security Guard (NSG), as well as other paramilitary forces, are guarding the the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium where the matches will be played, the official said.

Around 15,000 security personnel have been pressed into action. 'All personnel have been briefed about their duties and they have taken charge,' the official added.

In a bid to prevent a repeat of the terror attack on Sri Lankan cricket players in Lahore last year, armed policemen will escort the players when they move to and from the stadium, which is located in the heart of the city.

The stadium is located barely two kilometres from the Le Meridien hotel, whose 240 rooms have been booked for the teams.

Besides two-three armed officers who will travel in the buses with the players, there will be a police escort ahead of the players' bus.

Besides hosts India, Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Holland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain are participating in the tournament.