Printed Matter. Press Trust of India

MUMBAI: State hockey administrators have demanded early elections of the disbanded Indian Hockey Federation to revive and restore the lost glory of the national sport.

In a seminar conducted by the Bengal Hockey Association in co-ordination with Sahara India Pariwar at the picturesque Aamby Valley City here on Tuesday, delegates and Olympians from more than 30 hockey associations of the country expressed their views on developing Indian hockey and resurrecting its lost stature in the world of sports.

Olympian and BHF Secretary Gurbux Singh said, “FIH’s concept of ‘Hockey India’ is only possible when a legitimate and powerful body comprising of new office bearers is formed to take the game further.”

Gurbux also asserted that before initiating a discussion with Indian Women’s Hockey Federation, the national body has to be formed and be made fully functional.

BHF President JB Roy urged all state associations to work together to reveive the game in the country.

“If all the 41 associations of the game in India work together, we can take Indian Hockey to greater heights in the near future,” he said.

Elaborating further, Roy emphasised the need for an adequate international exposure for Indian players and a special attention to their fitness.

IOA President and ad-hoc committee for hockey Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said that the newly-formed national body for the game has to be run by a professional CEO which will enhance the overall performance of the federation.

Among others, the seminar was also attended by Olympians Keshav Dutt, Nandi Singh and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty.