FIH applying pressure tactics: Harendra

Sudhanshu Bisen, TNN

Harendra Singh blasted sports minister Ajay Maken for hurrying up the merger talks. (TOI Photo)
NAGPUR: With the International Hockey Federation (FIH) sending shockwaves by striping India of Champions Trophy, criticisms and accusations ran amok on Tuesday within the hockey fraternity.

After FIH announced that it was taking away the hosting rights of the prestigious tournament, because of the issues concerning game’s governance in India, the international body faced the ire of HI ( Hockey India) and IHF ( Indian Hockey Federation).

Though the rival bodies alleged FIH of ‘blackmailing’, former India coach Harendra Singh is of opinion that the international body is applying pressure tactics so that the government will hurry up and come out with a solution regarding the game’s governance before the Olympic qualifiers.

“I am sure that these are pressure tactics. The FIH wants to send a clear message that India should hurry up and end the prolonged debate. Otherwise, we might also end up losing the Olympic qualifiers,” said Harendra, while talking to TOI.

“It’s high time that the concerned authorities should sit down and sort out the issue or else we will lose the vital home advantage going into the qualifiers,” he added.

However, Harendra also felt that the FIH should have waited till the verdict.

“I don’t think that there was a need to take such a drastic step. If they really want Indian hockey to do well and their interest is clear, then they (FIH) should have waited till the verdict. The matter is in sub-judice,” said the former chief coach.

Harendra also blasted sports minister Ajay Maken for hurrying up the merger talks after India got the right to host Champions Trophy and Olympic qualifiers.

“I think FIH was dealing with HI and Government of India should have not done the merger in a hurry. They should have waited till Olympic Qualifier and allow them (FIH) to conduct the CT and Olympic qualifiers at New Delhi, I do not know why Maken is in such a hurry for every thing,” he exclaimed.

A replacement host for the men’s event, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from December 3 to 11, will be named within a week.