‘Frustrated’ IHF to host nationals in June-July
The disbanded Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) held its annual general meeting on Sunday.
The erstwhile body came out with a strong signal to make a comeback and alleged ‘mishandling of funds’ by Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association during the FIH World Cup.
IHF chief KPS Gill announced that the body would host the nationals around June-July and that the organisation had kept quite due to “differing stance” of the IOA.“We kept quite but the IOA keeps changing its position regularly.
“There was a breach of trust by the international hockey federation as well when they terminated the contract with Indian Hockey Confederation without reason,” he said. Surprisingly, though, the nationals were organised only a couple of times when Gill was at the helm of the sport in the country.
Gill, however, was on the front-foot in the accusation game when he alleged that Hockey India, which is now the recognised body in India, may have mishandled funds during the World Cup in Delhi. “We spent Rs 87 lakhs during the Asia Cup in Chennai three years back.
“Our information reveals an expenditure of close to 15 crores for the World Cup this year. How is it possible?” asked Gill.
An RTI regarding the expenditure incurred by Hockey India has been submitted, but Gill chose to adopt a pessimistic attitude.
“We have asked for details but have doubts if they would be provided at all.”