WSH is not sanctioned, reiterates FIH
NEW DELHI: In what could be termed as a fresh setback for World Series Hockey (WSH), the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday reiterated that the series stays an “unsanctioned” event since it does not have the approval of the world body.
FIH’s reaction came a few days after the Delhi High Court in its interim order gave the green signal to the players to participate in the tournament, provided the schedule did not clash with the international commitments of the national team
“We have read the judgment and it actually reinforces the rules of FIH. As far as WSH is concerned, there is no change in our stance. It (WSH) is an unsanctioned event because the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) is not a member of FIH,” FIH chief executive officer Kelly Fairweather said on the sidelines of the official launch of the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers, titled ‘Hero FIH road to London’, which will begin on February 18.
Fairweather maintained that with six qualifiers lined up in the run-up to the London Olympics, there would be hardly any free time for international players. “We are maintaining our position on the WSH. It’s up to the players to take a decision on their participation,” he said.
When asked whether FIH would sanction the players if they participate in WSH, he said, “FIH has its own rules for this. We will follow them after they participate in the event.”
Fairweather also said that FIH was working on a proposed league, on the lines of the Indian Premier League, dates of which will be finalised soon. “We are working on it with Hockey India. Discussions are on. We want to ensure that it gets a window in the annual hockey calendar.”
Meanwhile, WSH organisers debunked FIH’s view. “We wish to state that WSH is a domestic tournament in India and the country’s international commitments (for the present) would end on February 26 (the last date of the Pre-Olympic qualifiers in Delhi) while WSH starts on the 29th.
The Indian players are not going to play in the other five events that had been mentioned,” Nimbus’s chief operating officer Yannick Colaco was quoted as saying by PTI.
Fairweather also said FIH is keen to host at least one international event in India every year, although it withdrew the Champions Trophy from India last year.
“We will be meeting the Indian sports minister as well as the officials of the ministry regarding organising tournaments here in future,” he said. The last time the world body organised an event in the country was the 2010 World Cup, which became a huge success.
Subsequently, they allotted the 2011 Champions Trophy and the 2012 Olympic qualifiers before shifting the former to Auckland after dispute over administration of the game in the country.