IOA convenes calls urgent meeting of HI and IHF on October 4

NEW DELHI, 30 SEPTEMBER: Taking a serious note of the letter written by the FIH, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has convened an urgent meeting of the Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) here on October 4 to sort out the problems.

The meeting will discuss the issues raised by the FIH in its letter and will try to find out amicable solution to the satisfaction of all, IOA acting President Vijay Kumar Malhotra said in a statement here today.

“I am quiet hopeful that in the interest of the country and the game, the matter will be resolved. All have a good of the game and country at heart”

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has written to the Union Sports Ministry, warning that India’s participation in the London Olympics and other international events may be jeopardised if issues relating to the governance of the sport were not resolved.

Prof Malhotra said he was optimist that Olympic qualifier will be held in New Delhi as scheduled and Country’s participation in FIH sanctioned will continue unhindered.

“My optimism is based on my talks with FIH President Leandro Negre here last month, during which I made IOA’s stand very clear on the issues raised by him”

“ IOA is totally committed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) charter which clearly states only one association for one sports. I told Mr Negre in no uncertain terms that we do not approve of two federations for one game, be it hockey or any other discipline “ he said.

Prof Malhotra however expressed surprise over FIH’s insistence of Government’s interference in the dispute. ” The IOC charter, by which FIH also swears, clearly states that Government should not intervene in the dispute of a federation where the NOC is looking into it”

“IOA is keenly monitoring the developments relating to hockey and recognizes HI is the sole body for the Game, so why FIH wants to involve the Government” He said.

In a letter dated September 27, FIH President Leandro Negre has said the Sports Ministry should advise Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) against proceeding on their ‘settlement’ reached in July. It has said all lawsuits relating to the governance of hockey “must be finally resolved and terminated.”

The FIH has insisted the Government recognise HI as the sole governing body of the sport in India and not support any other unsanctioned organisation.

IOA is the supreme sports body in the country and all the National Federations and Associations function under it. No body can function without its approval and recognition so FIH’s fetish to insist on Government intervention, which clearly goes against the IOC charter is surprising, he said

Prof Malhotra said the Judiciary is very independent in India and no body dare dictate it.

He also reminded the FIH that India remains the heart and soul of Hockey. “It is just not conceivable to see hockey progress in the World, without India “

Prof Malhotra appreciated Mr Negre’s view that by adhering with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter and the FIH Statutes and “there will be no concerns” about India’s participation in the Olympics and the FIH-sanctioned competitions.

Courtesy: IOA Press Release