Airtel’s Mittal enters hockey field, could become chief if warring bodies merge

Uthra G Chaturvedi

The war of words between the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI) — the two national units involved in a bitter court battle to control the game in the country — threw up the name of telecom tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal as a possible consensus candidate who could head a unified body.

On Friday, IHF’s chief adviser KPS Gill, while continuing his tirade against HI, said that Mittal, along with Sports Minister Ajay Maken, had been part of the merger talks. “The Sports Minister had called us (IHF and HI) for a meeting to discuss the merger issue. The people present at the meeting were the sports minister, myself, R K Shetty (IHF president) and Sunil Bharti Mittal of Airtel. No one from Hockey India was present,” he said.

Gill said, “If he (Mittal) agrees to come on board we will definitely welcome it, it will be a good move.” Asked about Mittal’s possible role, Gill said, “That is something only Mr Mittal can confirm.”

A top HI official said, “If a big corporate name like his comes on board Indian hockey, it can only help the sport.”

The bone of contention between the two bodies has been the post of president. In case a merger takes place, the new, neutral entrant Mittal could get the job.

Asked whether he intended to join hockey administration, Mittal did not offer any comment.