MOA disaffiliates MHA; may form Hockey Maharashtra

MUMBAI: The affiliation issue concerning Hockey India (HI) and State hockey associations representing Maharashtra took a new turn with the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) setting aside on Wednesday the affiliation granted to Maharashtra Hockey Association (MHA).

The Union Sports Minister, M.S. Gill, is already on record for a more transparent and logical process concerning finalisation of list involving State bodies and institutional units eligible to be part of HI’s election process.

According to MHA secretary Ikram Khan, MOA called MHA president Victor Ellis for a meeting in Pune. “Our president was told by MOA secretary, Balasaheb Landge, about the decision not to grant us affiliation. We don’t know the reason and will wait for written communication before deciding the next course of action,” said the MHA secretary.

“Mr Ellis was not allowed to attend the meeting with MOA after having been called for the same purpose. I don’t know why they are playing such games with hockey,” he added.

It is learnt from MOA officials that a new body named Hockey Maharashtra may be formed, incorporating administrators from the dissenting bodies. — Special Correspondent