The cracks and dichotomy in the loosely put out Ad-hoc committee to run the hockey affairs after dissolution of the IHF, comes to limelight with the reported resignation of its very convenor, Md. Aslam.
According to reliable source, Aslam, who successfully organized the Junior Asia Cup, was upset that his views were not sought nor considered when the As-hoc committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi announced major decisions. He was not even aware of the fact that two selectors Ajit Pal Singh and Zafar Iqbal were sent to Beijing to watch hockey matches.
It is worthwhile to mention here the IOA committee which selected Beijing contingent did not recommend trip for any hockey selection Committee members.
It is understood the delay in announcing national team coach is also a bone of contention. Officially, about 20 names were short-listed yet coaches were not named.
Neither IOA nor Md. Aslam are willing to comment on the resignation. It is believed Aslam is being cajoled to rescind his decision.
The ad hoc committee hardly functioned as a unit, and in fact till the Junior Asia Cup they never met also. The Committee’s Technical Advisor Charlesworth is already gone, marketing member never shown up so far.
It is a matter of concern the ad-hoc committee in its existence of three months did not announce any single move that would prove they meant business. The past IHF was dissolved on a national anger, but the new regime hardly came to fill in the promise expected. Their indecision proved far dangerous than their decisions. Handling of Charlesworth issue was classic case of indecision, while the Aslam Sher Khan comes under bad decision category.
With the Aslam Sher Khan episode – an unnecessary removal of him – we got a taste of what is cooking up in the selection committee, now with Md. Aslam on the mate, the ad-hoc committee also proved to be a disjointed one. We all expected good things will happen after the past regime ended, but are concerned with developments such as this.