By S. Kannan and Tushar Bhaduri in New Delhi
WITH exactly a month to go for the Hockey India elections in the Capital, problems persist in the affiliation process of the game’s national governing body. A prominent unit like Punjab, known as the nursery of Indian hockey, has not been granted affiliation despite the men’s and women’s units of Punjab and PEPSU merging to form one body, sources said after a meeting held to iron out differences in this regard.
There are also doubts about the affiliation of the Delhi and Maharashtra units, with the latter having separate existing units of Mumbai and Vidarbha.
Some unit from Maharashtra based in Pune has been given affiliation. Doubts remain over the authenticity of this body.
Similarly, a little known association has been given affiliation from Tamil Nadu. It is also learnt that Karnataka have been affiliated as they bowed to the terms of Hockey India.
Those states which have not been affiliated so far can also approach a review committee which has now been put in place.
When contacted, Hockey India president AK Mattoo said the issue of affiliation was an ongoing process. “ We met today and went through various issues concerning various parties. No issue will be left unresolved regarding the elections. A clearer picture would emerge in the next couple of days,” Mattoo said.
The bone of contention is the requirement of one association in one state as per the constitution of Hockey India.
“ One- state- one- unit is a specific guideline of the International Hockey Federation. It has not been imposed by us,” Mattoo said.
This comes a day before Hockey India officials meet election observer SK Mendiratta over this issue.
Speaking toM AIL T ODAY , Mendiratta said he was in favour of proper elections.
“ We have a meeting on Wednesday and the Hockey India officials will be there.
The last time, they told me that out of 31 units, 20 had been affiliated. But I am given to understand certain states are yet to get affiliation,” he said.
Mendiratta said he was asked by Hockey India to hold the election whereby in a ‘ show of hand’, officials would be elected. “ I am not at all in favour of such a procedure.
They ( Hockey India) told me this is the process which has been in practice. I am sure at some point or the other, a change has to be made and it will be now,” said Mendiratta.
Mendiratta says he will go through the proper procedure such as going through nominations, scrutiny and then polling.
In fact, on December 24, Mendiratta had written a letter to the sports ministry and detailed the procedure he wishes to follow. He has suggested that the “ list of members eligible to vote should be finalised at least one week before the date on which the process of nomination starts and circulated to all affiliated units.” He has also said that “ a period of not less than one day be fixed for the filing of nominations, which should be filled in forms to be prescribed for the purpose.” Mendiratta said that following the correct procedure will “ not only inspire confidence in the minds of the affiliated units about the electoral process, but also establish the credibility of the managing committee so elected.”