Not many in Indian hockey seem to know how the new setup will function
MUMBAI: What is in a name? Put this question to any official of Indian hockey and you may not get to hear a proper answer. The change of nomenclatures from Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) and now to Hockey India has left even some insiders of the Indian hockey baffled.
DNA has learnt that even chief of the selection panel, Aslam Sher Khan, was not happy about the change, apparently suggested by International Hockey Federation (FIH) and implemented by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). When contacted, Khan diplomatically avoided the query. “Nothing was discussed with us and so I am the wrong person to be asked what will be the outcome,” he said. We still tried to figure out how will Indian hockey be under Hockey India.
What does Hockey India mean?
The claims are that it will be a professionally-run body with a CEO. Mind you, even the BCCI — doesn’t have one.
What’s the thinking behind this change?
It was getting difficult for the adhoc committee to get the right to host the World Cup in 2010. In a last-ditch attempt, IOA is believed to have struck a deal with the FIH at a meeting in Hyderabad. The restructuring has been done on the lines of Australian model where men’s and women’s hockey exist under one roof.
How will it function?
There would be an executive board, headed by a CEO. The board will decide all the matter, be it in the men’s or the women’s games. The state-level hockey federations may also be brought under the new project, though it’s a time-taking exercise.
Who will call the shots?
The CEO. There will be no other powerful functionary. The players role will be virtually zero.
What will be CEO’s role?
The CEO will take the final call after deciding it with other board members.
Who will be India’s coach?
At least not an Indian. The CEO is expected to decide that (no matter whether others don’t like it).