World Series Hockey likely to be postponed
By Mihir Vasavda | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA
The World Series Hockey (WSH) is set to be postponed until after India’s Olympic qualifiers that will be held in February next year.
Back room talks between Nimbus, Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI) have begun and an official announcement regarding the same is expected soon. Sources said the organisers are seeking a written guarantee from HI; an assurance that they will allow all the players to participate in the tournament after the qualifiers.
The first edition of the city-based league was to begin on December 17. However, HI and International Hockey Federation (FIH) have warned the players of dire consequences if they took part in the event.
The organisers, though, have stood firm. India captain Bharat Chetri, on Tuesday, had said, “it would be better if WSH was held after the qualifiers so that the players could play with a free mind.”
A source said: “Talks have begun between the organisers and HI. But to make sure that such a controversy does not take place again, Nimbus want HI to give in writing that they will be allowing players to participate in the league after the qualifiers are over. HI has to soften its stand as well.”
It is learnt that a few players have already been informed about the development so that they can report for the camp that begins in Bangalore on December 11.
WSH officials did not wish to comment on the issue at this stage.