Women’s Hockey World Cup: Selectors in Patiala to pick squad

NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s hockey team for the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina from Aug 29, will be selected in Patiala Friday.

There seems to be no doubt that the national team will represent the country and not Hockey India (HI), which is recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) or the sports ministry-backed Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

The two federations seem to have no quarrels with the team selection since the selection committee has all the former internationals as its members. Two of these are government nominees — Ajit Pal Singh and Zafar Iqbal.

The other three members are Sita Mehta Gosain, Rupa Saini and Balbir Singh Jr.

It is not clear who constituted the selection committee, whether HI or the Sports Authority of India. The HI’s original selection committee comprised seven members. The three who do not find a place in the present committee are B. P. Govinda, Muneer Sait and Madhu Yadav, who was replaced by Saini.

The sports ministry, which has de-recognised Hockey India (HI), has written to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that the Indian Olympic Association or the sports ministry be allowed to select the team till an elected IHF is in place.

The IHF and Indian Women’s Hockey Federation officially began the process of merger, but did not name any selection panel for picking the national teams for the upcoming events, women’s World Cup and Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

Asked as to who would select the national team for international assignments, IWHFsecretary generalAmrit Bose said: “The national team does not represent the IHF or HI, it represents India. HI in any case has declared itself a private body, it is a club.”