HI, IHF likely to merge

A compromise is on the anvil as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) looks to bring together the two rival bodies — Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI). A formal announcement is expected on Monday.

A series of meetings have taken place between the FIH and IHF officials. The FIH president Leandro Negre and K.P.S. Gill, former IHF president, have been trying to find a solution. At the heart of the discussion is the identity of the IHF and also the forthcoming World Series Hockey (WSH).

Prestigious venture

FIH had declared the WSH an “unsanctioned” tournament. For IHF, the league, a “domestic tournament,” is a prestigious venture. According to a senior official from IHF, the tournament cannot be deemed “unsanctioned” because it requires no sanction from the FIH.

“There are leagues in Germany, Belgium and Malaysia. They are not sanctioned tournaments. Why should the WSH be so? It does not clash with the FIH calendar and is aimed at providing the players a good competition and a financial cushion too,” said the IHF official.

He added, “In any case, the league that FIH wants to start is among nations and the WSH is not clashing with the one that HI proposes to have. All these tournaments will only help the players and that is what we too have been aiming at.”

Negre had hinted at a “compromise” during a media interaction two days ago. “We are in line with the Sports Ministry’s efforts (to bring about a truce). There will be a good development soon,” Negre had promised.

Unified federation

The IHF is understood to have agreed to make certain concessions in the “interest” of the game. A merger with a new president acceptable to both could mean a lot to Indian hockey. The IHF and HI have in principle agreed to a unified federation with a new name. Until the formalities are sorted out, the hockey affairs would be run under the aegis of HI.

FIH has been in the forefront of the negotiations with Negre showing keen interest. The IHF is being assisted by Gill, who is reportedly flexible to a few adjustments. The unified body would have an equal share of officials. Indications are that HI, which has plans to launch a league of its own next year, is willing to accommodate the WSH. “We don’t want to harm the players,” said an official from the HI.

“Let us look ahead for the benefit of Indian hockey,” the rival bodies have pledged as they seek to bury their differences with FIH as the mediator.