NEW DELHI: After International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Sports Ministry has also decided to appoint its own observer for the much-awaited Hockey India elections.

Sports Minister MS Gill, on Saturday, said that he will send an observer for the national hockey federations poll to ensure a free and fair election.

“The FIH has already appointed an observer for Hockey India elections. Even I want Hockey India to be a properly elected body. So I am also going to sent an observer for the polls,” Gill said to mark hockey legend Major Dhyanchand’s birthday, celebrated as National Sports Day.

“I have already selected the person whom I will appoint as the observer because I am a firm believer of democracy,” he said.

“Hockey India was formed as per the FIH’s wishes. The world body also said it (Hockey India) should have men’s and womens’ federation under one roof and the democratic elections of the body should be held before the World Cup,” he added.

Gill, however, refused to divulge the name the official.

Earlier this month, the FIH appointed its Vice President Tony von Ondarza as the observer for the democratic elections of Hockey India.

The FIH had already given six month’s time from its date of formation to Hockey India to conduct its election, which means the office bearers of the newly-formed federation will have to be elected within October this year.

The Sports Minster also assured government’s full cooperation to national coach Jose Brasa, who have been crying for modern training equipments since his appointment.

“I can assure you that Brasa will get full support from us and the equipments will be procured soon,” Gill said.