It is a different battle for veteran hockey players Pargat Singh. He is not fighting for the place in the team — which he had enormous — but sees no vicious circle scores a wrong goal.

The defender of yore, came out today with scathing attack on those who spoil Indian sport

He squarely blames Suresh Kalmadi of running a Sports Mafia, which is holding the Hockey India election to ransom.

“Kalmadi was president of Athletic Federation of India, has not done anything worthwhile to improve it. Why is he intereted in hockey, what does he want to acheive here. It’s because of his greediness to usurb hockey, it has become a mockery today”, he said.

“We assured the world that the Hockey India election will be held before the World Cup. Now it is stopped, which I feel it is due their wantom mismanagment. Kalmadi does not want to be ashamed of it, that India cannot even hold an election.”

“Kalmadi wanted to become Hockey India president. But could not get nomination from any State. Having known that he cannot now contest, he and his cronies are indulging in delaying tactics”, said Pargat in a belligerent mood.

“Kalmadi is president of IOA, taking care of all sports in India. However, I have to take him head on because sometimes we have to fight against our paresnts. I am helpless except exposing this gentleman, who obviously put all his chamchas everywhere”.

“Am involved with hockey for about 30 years now, I have emotional attachment with it. I cannot leave dying, I will fight to finish to save hockey”, Pargat Singh, who also heads Punjab Sports Department”, said.

“I bore lot of humiliation of Kalmadi’s mafia, I bore because of hockey. Now that am cornered, helpless, I will take on him”.

He also challenged Kalmadi. “Let him openly come and fight me. Let us have a public debate, let us see whether he gets at least 10 percent of public support. The Indian public world know about him, about me”, Pargat thundered.

The present crisis in Indian hcokey is going on almost two years from now, after KPS Gill has been sacked. If hockey is a mockery today, only Kalmadi is solely responsible for this”, he went on.

“I am even forced to think even KPS Gill’s regime was better than Kalmadi’s”.

“Kalmadi failed to provide parental touch, instead made hockey a mockery”.

When asked hockey is bankrupt today, as they don’t seem to have money with them, why then Kalmadi will be interested in hockey, Pargat shot back: He is greedy, has a disruptive mind”.

Kalmadi also played double game in the name of affiliation. Maharashtra Olympic Association did not give letter of approval for Maharashtra hockey, still they got approval, but not Chandigarh. They picked and chose, their criteria is will you vote for me. This cannot happen, as we are geninely democratic country.

Pargat Singh is a big name amidst the large sporting pantheon of India. He is highly decorated Indian hockey player. His outbursts comes at a time the Hockey India is in the thick of all wrong news, players payment issue etc.

Pargat, by coming out openly, has put the ball in the court of Kalmadi. He has to do lot of exlanation, and of course stay clear of hockey.

Suresh Kalmadi, IOA President’s official reply to Pargat Singh’s Allegations

Mr. Pargat Singh has made some personal attacks on me which I totally deny.

I am the President of the Indian Olympic Association and Chairman
Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games, which keeps me fully
occupied.

I have no time or interest in taking over Hockey. I have a National
duty to perform to ensure that the Commonwealth Games are conducted
successfully.

I understand that Hockey Punjab was given affiliation within one day
after submission of all their documents.

I am also responsible for the smooth conduct of the coming World Cup
Hockey being staged by IOA and FIH of which I am the Joint Chairperson
of the Governing Board.

I would also like to see that the Indian Hockey Players are given
their monetary incentives from time to time.

Suresh Kalmadi, MP.