Don’t change venue of Men’s champions trophy: IOA

NEW DELHI, 31 AUGUST, 2011: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today cautioned the International Hockey Federation (FIH) against shifting the Men’s champions Trophy from New Delhi.

In a statement IOA Acting President Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra said the FIH had allotted this prestigious event to India keeping in view the popularity of the game in the country so any talk of hosting it in any other country at the last moment will have adverse effect on Hockey in the country.

“Hockey is India’s national game and it enjoys the support of millions of people,” Prof. Malhotra said adding the “fans are keenly awaiting to see best teams of the World once again playing at the stadium named after ‘Wizard’ Dhyan Chand.

He assured FIH Chief Leandro Negre that the dispute with the Hockey set up in India will be sorted out amicably. “In any case FIH is already dealing with Hockey India (HI) and it should continue to do that”.

Prof. Malhotra said the IOA is aware that Government has tried to set up an ”wholly unworkable arrangement by having two federations to look after Hockey which is not acceptable to us (IOA).

“This however does not mean that India should be deprived of the Champions trophy” he said adding “FIH should deal with HI and IOA and not with the Government on this issue”.

IOA is of the view that Government should not meddle in the affairs of the sport’s body and “We have made our stand very clear to the Sports ministry”.

He said the IOA is very keen that Indian Hockey regain its glory and for it seeks FIH’s support.

“The huge success of World Cup and Hockey competition in the Commonwealth Games is a clear testimony of the Games popularity and it needs further push and encouragement.”

So any talk of shifting the Champions trophy out of India will have adverse effect on the Game world wide. “What ever may be the India’s Hockey standing at present but there is no doubt that country remains the hub of the Game as far as the fan following is concerned”.

“You will never get so much emotional response and eye balls for the Game as you get in India’’ Prof. Malhotra said “So holding the Champions trophy here will be beneficial for every body involved in the promotion of the game, he added.