IHF cocks a snook at world body diktat

Despite a stern warning from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to its member associations and players to not participate in the World Series of Hockey, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), the organiser, said it would continue with its plans for the tournament and might consider legal action against the apex body, if required.

The FIH had communicated to its member associations that participating in the series would debar players from taking part in the Olympic qualifying events and the Games. The IHF has taken serious note of the matter. “We have been authorised to run hockey in the country by the Government of India. The High Court has recognised us and revived us. Who is the FIH to say it doesn’t recognise us? It proves that it has scant respect for the court,” a peeved IHF president, RK Shetty, said on Thursday.

The ambitious project was launched by the IHF in collaboration with Nimbus India last month in the presence of several national players including Sardara Singh, Adrian D’Souza and Sandeep Singh. Shetty said the tournament was aimed at benefiting players and the sport and there was no question of backing out. “I am really surprised why the FIH is interfering in our internal matters,” he said.

Later on Thursday, the IHF went a step ahead and approached senior Pakistan players, including Muhammad Saqlain, to give his consent to the tournament. “Yes, some people have contacted me and some other leading players for the World Series which I think it is a great idea and a chance for the players to obtain some financial security for themselves and their families,” said Saqlain.

The FIH though remained adamant, saying that Hockey India was the only recognised body in the sport in India. “We have always maintained that Hockey India is the only association we recognise in your country. How can the said tournament be conducted by IHF when the participating players and the associations they represent are affiliated to us and not IHF,” a FIH official told HT.