Women hockey players win their battle

Women hockey players are winning their battle, as of now, hands down. Their message of gender discrimination by the Hockey India has cut ice. After all that happened in the last two days, a press release by the Hockey India by its interim president Vidhya Stokes says they will treat men and women on equal terms. Better late than never. Women’s captain will also be part of Player Welfare Fund which was announced by the IOA president Suresh Kalmadi last week.

However, the girls’ spokesperson goalie Dipika Murthy informed the media that they are going to continue the black-band protest till Hockey India comes down and gives in writing that they will treat both men and women teams equally in terms of rewards and awards.

Earlier in the day, Sports Minister MS Gill, called Dipika Murthy and had a long discussion. He also informed her that he spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister who has consented to give the ministry Rs. 1 crore to be dispersed to women hockey players. He also informed her a donation of rs. 10 lac by the ASSOCham president. This money will be deposited in the account the players have opened.

Now the minister said before camera he had asked Dipika for details of their demand, money due and tournament they participated and other details.

Earlier yesterday the girls turned down the offer of Rs.50,000 each by Hockey India, as they felt it is discriminatory and arbitariry not in tune with what was offered to men.

“Both men and women players come under single Hockey India, why can’t we have same yardsticks’, they justifiably asked.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Chauhan said he called IOA President Suresh Kalmadi and asked him details as to where money should be deposited. “He thanked me but not given details. Now I spoke to MS Gill, who accepted my cheque. I also assured him more help if sought”

This clearly brings out the fact that Hockey India is not even willing to go people who announced help.

The small group running the Hockey India, it seems, could not handle the affairs. Amidst World Cup works and Election manipulations, they don’t have time for which they exist — hockey.