IHF to seek more time to decide on merger
Even as expectations are high on the proposed merger of Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation, the latter seems in no mood to accept what it says is an “offer that has nothing in its favour”. Both factions have to submit their response by Tuesday to the draft proposal presented by the sports ministry and the IHF feels it’s too little time to reach any conclusion.
“The ministry was directed by the courts to find a solution in March. They did nothing then, now they have given us a two-day ultimatum. One or two persons cannot take a decision like this. We will ask for at least a week’s extension to enable us to hold meeting with all our members and seek a resolution,” said Ashok Mathur, IHF secretary. “Personally, I don’t think it is a fair proposal. It is highly tilted in HI’s favour and so I think they will accept it easily. But for us, there are many disadvantages. We need to have a proper discussion,” he added.