Sports ministry to FIH: Stop interfering

V Narayan Swamy

BANGALORE: The Union sports ministry took a strong exception at the excessive interference of International Hockey Federation (FIH) in the management of hockey in India, saying that it must act as a neutral observer, and not try and be the kingmaker by involving itself in hockey politics in the country.

The immediate provocation was a reported statement by FIH vice-president Antonio von Ondarza, who was quoted as saying by a news agency, that the world body recognizes Hockey India as the custodian of the sport in India, and will not recognize IHF come what may.

Ondarza was apparently reacting to a communication from the Union sports ministry that it had de-recognized HI and restored the powers of National Sports Federation for hockey to IHF.

“We wrote to FIH explaining them the entire position, and sought their cooperation. We are yet to receive an official response. However, if this is the collective view of the FIH, it is unwarranted intrusion into the legitimate national process of determining the NSF for hockey in India. Let everyone realize that the representation of the country in any international association comes within the ambit of the Union government as per the Constitution of India,” ministry sources told TOI.

In its letter to FIH president Leandro Negre, the ministry had explained the reasons behind the recent developments and had appealed to them to allow the Sports Authority of India or the Indian Olympic Association to field teams for international tournaments, pending IHF becoming 100 per cent compliant with FIH Constitution. “But from the statement of Ondarza it appears as though FIH is not interested in a way forward. It’s not clear whether the FIH is acting as a neutral observer or as the representative of HI? We expect the FIH to keep a safe distance from hockey politics in the country.

“In no other country has the FIH interfered to such an extent. Apparently, for the FIH the government seems to have no relevance or locus standi on the issue, which is not only strange, but also untenable,” the sources said.

This point was, in fact, reiterated by IHF president KPS Gill, in a meeting with the ministry on July 30, the sources pointed out.

“Even otherwise, we are disturbed by the way FIH has been functioning. They have been paying clandestine visits to India, got into sponsorship deals with corporate entities, allotting tournaments without keeping the ministry informed. This is not a done thing.”

The sources pointed out that representation of the country in any international tournament, and selection of national teams could not be left to a body that has acquired a private character.

“The Societies Registration Act and the Names and Emblems Act specify that no society can use the name of the Union without the approval of the Union government. We gave Hockey India recognition in good faith, for which the Court has also reprimanded us.

“Anyway, what are the bona fides of HI? It is an artificial creation of the IOA. So recognition had to follow. It had members who had nothing to do with the game. For one and a half years, the body did nothing. And when it did, half the state units were filled with State Olympic association officials. When the IOC itself has ruled that State Olympic association officials cannot vote in IOA elections, how can they play a role in HI elections?”

The sources also dismissed the contention that the FIH had de-recognized IHF in 2000 and hence wouldn’t prefer to deal with it any longer. “Going by legal status, at present, the FIH would be dealing with IHF as an amalgamated body and not as the men’s federation which it was 10 years ago. We have told the FIH that the IHF would approach them for recognition only after the unification process is over in 2-3 months.”