Supreme Court nod for HI polls

Observing that it cannot “ignore the wider ramifications” for Indian hockey, the Supreme Court on Friday gave Hockey India (HI) the go-ahead for holding its elections.
A Bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and AK Patnaik set aside the stays by Delhi and Bombay High Courts but asked Hockey India not to implement the results of the elections till the apex court comes to a final decision. “ We stay the operation of the high courts orders on July 28, 2010 and grant liberty to HI to hold the elections, but the result of this election will not be implemented till these petitions are considered and decided by the Supreme Court,” the Bench ordered.

On July 28, the Bombay High Court stayed the elections for three weeks on a petition by the Mumbai Hockey Association while the Delhi High Court sought more clarification from the government on the issue of recognition to HI and the KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation. HI moved the Supreme Court through its lawyer Hitesh Jain, seeking vacation of the stay orders, citing FIH’s threat of disaffiliating India. Issuing notices to the Indian Hockey Federation as well, the Bench posted the case for August 19 for final disposal.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) threw its weight behind HI, saying it was the only Indian hockey body recognised by the FIH. “Having regard to the urgency involved, which also includes participation of the Indian hockey teams, both men and women, in international events we are of the view that these petitions should be heard expeditiously,” the court ordered.

Horrible outing

Playing their first tournament after the sexual harassment case became public, the Indian women’s team has had a horrible outing so far in the Asian Champions Trophy.

India, who are the Asia Cup runners-up, lost to Japan 3-2 in their opening game. Experienced striker Saba Anjum and captain Surinder Kaur scored for India. However, the very next day, China thrashed India 6-1, Deepika Thakur scoring the consolation goal for India. This was the biggest margin of defeat for the team in recent times.

On Friday, India lost their third consecutive league match, this time to Korea, 5-3. Saba Anjum, Subhadra Pradhan and Rani Ramphal scored for India. India will now play China for the 3rd-4th spot.