TNOA pitches for more pitches

Special Correspondent

Chennai: Confirming the communication from the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association with regard to the continued impasse in the hockey administration in the State and the need to proceed with caution in the matter, sources in the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) ruled out any immediate response or action to the letter by Mr. K. Murugan, Secretary, TNOA.

This is partly because the top brass in the SDAT is now in Pune in connection with the Commonwealth Youth Games, and also due to the issues involved in dealing with the groups claiming control over hockey administration in the State.

However, sources within the SDAT expressed surprise over the latest missive from the TNOA, which, only a few months ago, decided to enforce the status quo after the general body meeting.

They were unable to perceive the change in the perception now.

It is probable that this has come about after a dialogue with the IOA-ad hoc committee now controlling the hockey administration in the country after the apex body suspended the Indian Hockey Federation headed by Mr. K.P.S. Gill.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association has taken a strong exception to leaving out the State in the matter of allotment of the mini-synthetic hockey surfaces, which the Sports Authority of India has proposed to install in different parts of the country.

Expressing deep disappointment over neglecting a prominent State in the country, the TNOA, as directed by the President, Mr. Sivanthi Adityan, has suggested that at least four mini pitches be installed in centres like Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Dindigul and Chennai.

The mini-turfs help initiating school children to hockey on artificial pitches. The TNOA hopes that the SAI would respond positively to this request.