NAGPUR: The hockey scenario in the city continues to be gloomy and if the latest developments are anything to go by, it will only get murkier. Vide its letter dated July 7, the Hockey Maharashtra has granted permanent affiliation to Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA) and have authorized it to manage the hockey activities in the Nagpur district. Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), however, is still firm on its stance to ban players participating in any ‘unauthorized’ tournaments.

As soon as they got a go-ahead from the state body, the NDUHA wasted no time in announcing a club and a school league tournament which is be scheduled from September. “This was expected,” said Salim Baig, Secretary, NDUHA, adding, “This was the sole body in the district which was unified as far as men’s and women’s hockey is concerned. We were asked to submit the papers to Narendra Batra earlier this year in January. When we put our papers, the HI decided to give us a provisional affiliation at first. After the general council meeting of Hockey Maharashtra on July 2, we got the permanent affiliation.”

VHA, which is affiliated to Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), is still unfazed with these developments happening. “We will debar any player, club or school participating in any unauthorized tournament. It’s given in our constitution. According to us, NDUHA is an unauthorized body and are not liable to conduct tournaments at district level. Whoever participating in tournaments organized by NDUHA, will first be given a showcause notice and then we’ll take action,” said Vinod Gavai, Secretary, VHA.

NDUHA, however, begs to differ on VHA’s ‘rigid’ stance. “We (NDUHA) aren’t that rigid. No such action will be taken on NDUHA teams or players participating in VHA-organized events. In fact, we want our players to participate in more and more tourneys. It’ll only enhance their skills,” said Baig.

Baig also didn’t shy away from having a pot shot at VHA’s claims. “I’ve seen their (VHA’s) constitution. There’s no clause regarding such banning of players mentioned in it. Also, IHF hasn’t banned any players participating in HI’s tournaments. So, how come VHA, which is affiliated to IHF, can ban players participating in our tournaments?” he questioned.