This will harm the game: IOA
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Tuesday termed the international hockey federation’s (FIH) decision to move the men’s Champions Trophy out of India “unfortunate and uncalled for” and said it would do “incalculable harm to the game not just in India but all over the world”.
‘Reverse decision’
IOA’s acting president, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, asked the FIH to reverse its decision, adding that he was “very keen that Indian hockey regains its glory”.
“The huge success of the World Cup and hockey competition in the Commonwealth Games is a testimony to the game’s popularity in the
country.
“Hockey is India’s national game and a huge number of fans are keenly waiting to watch the Champions Trophy at Dhyan Chand Stadium.”
‘Maken responsible’
Holding sports minister, Ajay Maken, responsible for the IHF-Hockey India mess, Malhotra said, “I don’t know what his agenda is, but he has landed the country in another unnecessary controversy.
“Thank God, the Sports Development Bill got scuttled, otherwise India would have faced problems from the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and its participation in the London Olympics and other international competitions including the Asian and Commonwealth Games would have been jeopardised.”
The IOA chief said he has been cautioning the minister “against dabbling in federations but he refuses to listen. The FIH decision is the first warning signal.”
‘Stop politicking’
Meanwhile, former India captain, Viren Rasquinha, asked all concerned with running the sport to stop politicking.
“I am not too worried about the Champions Trophy (being taken away), but am more concerned about what could happen to the hosting rights for the Olympic qualifiers (scheduled in Feb 2012) awarded to India,” he said.
Pointing out that India could be in danger of missing the berth, Rasquinha said, “The FIH is doing everything possible for India to qualify (for the London Games). We should not let go of this opportunity & regret later.”