Hockey Manipur slams MOA

Imphal, July 31: Hockey Manipur has come out strongly against the Manipur Olympic Association.

The outburst came about after the formation of two hockey organisations — Hockey Manipur and Manipur Hockey — headed by different officials, affected the game of hockey in the state as well as the players.

The Indian Hockey Federation had earlier announced the amalgation of both men’s and women’s hockey organisations into a single entity and the process had just begun in the state.

However, in the process of the amalgation, overseen by the Manipur Olympic Association, a controversy erupted among the officials, with one maintaining that its suggestions were being sidelined.

The battle rages on, with court cases against Hockey Manipur.

In the meantime, another organisation, Manipur Hockey, took shape under Ksh. Thoiba Singh as its president.

Manipur Oylmpic Association also gave its approval to Manipur Hockey.

Hockey Manipur secretary Th. Manihar addressed a press meet at Khuman Lampak hockey stadium and said politics played by the Manipur Olympic Association had led to the chaotic situation in the game.

Stating that it had no faith in the president and secretary of Manipur Olympic Association, Hockey Manipur appealed to the rest of the executive members to sort out the conflict and bring an amicable solution.

Th. Manihar also urged Manipur Hockey officials to join hands with them for the development of hockey and even offered to step down from his post to accommodate them in the better interests of the game.

Former Olympian P. Nilakomol said, though he was waylaid earlier by Manipur Hockey, he never took sides.

However, he wanted a united organisation for the sake of the players and the development of hockey in the state.

Hockey Manipur president N. Momon Devi also echoed similar views and urged all hockey lovers in the state to come forward and even suggested relinquishing her post if it was for the best.