Expressing solidarity with Hockey India faction in the never ending saga of control of Indian hockey, Leandro Negri said that the FIH is fully committed to support the Hockey India as this is the official body that is recognized by it.

“We have stated so in the letter, which is reflected in the Supreme Court of India order. Our stand on the hockey matters is consistent over long time. As far as we are concerned that there is nothing called Indian Hockey Federation”, he stated emphatically.

When specifically asked the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recognized IHF and that is it correct for the Hockey India to state they don’t go by the guidelines of the same, he said, “It is your domestic matter, I don’t want to comment on this”.

Talking exclusively to www.stick2hockey.com the FIH president further stated that the administrative problem have to be solved soon to launch various hockey programmes in Inda.

“We are ready with the Club series, we have got the sponsors, and hopefully this will be launched soon, we will announced this shortly. We need a strong India. We in FIH take special interest in India. Never ever the FIH intended to help Indian hockey as we do now. We want good administration at top, and after seeing India Pakistan match I feel hockey should be a big thing in India”.

Expressing happiness over the grand success of hockey in CWG he said, “It feels nice hockey is such a big success. India is playing better than what they did during the World Cup.

He also hastened to add, “But I am thrilled by the India – Pakistan match, more than the England, India one. Eleven goals, and full crowd, it is great hockey”.

On the issue of video umpiring he said that the FIH has no role to play as far as CWG is concerned, as this is not a FIH tournament. “It is upto the Organizing Committee to have it or not. We in fact improved video referral in the recent Women’s World Cup after getting our lessons from Delhi World Cup. We are improving”.