The Hindu: Time to step up

By Uthra Ganesan

As the new president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Narinder Batra insists there will be no undue favours for India or Asia. At the same time, he told The Hindu from Dubai, that regardless of whether he holds an official post or not, he would continue to be associated with Indian hockey in future.

How does it feel to be the first Indian head of an Olympic sport?

It’s humbling to know that people trust me, it’s an honour to put India on the world sporting administration map and it’s a huge responsibility to make sure that, as an Indian, I do better than ever before and make the country proud.

You have to be a nutcase in India to leave cricket and concentrate on hockey administration, but I love the game.

What made you take the plunge and move from domestic to international hockey administration?

Actually, I hadn’t planned this. (Outgoing president) Leandro Negre has done good work with the FIH and my support was with him. But, because he could not contest a third term due to the constitution of the federation, I decided to try my hand.

I’ve tried to make Indian hockey strong. Now it’s time to step up.

As FIH president, what would be your first plan of action?

I have some ideas specially about the marketing and popularisation of the sport. I feel hockey has a lot of potential that needs to be harnessed properly.

You may not see any drastic changes immediately, but the revenues will definitely grow.

What happens to the Hockey India president’s post now?

I have to relinquish that, no doubt. But, I think Indian hockey is now in a good place and will continue to grow.

The HI constitution provides for elevation of someone from within the Board to the presidency after a special general body meeting is called and ratifies the same.