Hockey India fudged accounts during World Cup: KPS Gill

New Delhi: The erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), which had been dissolved because of bribery allegations in 2008, is now accusing Hockey India (HI) of mismanaging funds during the World Cup earlier this year.

KPS Gill, who had headed the IHF before secretary K Jyothikumaran was caught on camera taking money for favours in selection, said the ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had increased budgets manifold.

“We held the Asia Cup in July 2007 (in Chennai) at a cost of Rs87 lakhs. Hockey India organised the World Cup for the same number of teams, officials and facilities at a cost of Rs15 crores,” said Gill.

The former hockey chief alleged that the original budget for the event had been Rs1 crore but was raised with sponsorships including those from public sector undertakings and that commissions had been paid liberally for the same.

“We have put in a request for details with an RTI but I doubt if we will be provided with the same,” Gill said after an annual general meeting of the disbanded body which discussed the possibility of resurrecting the federation as well as holding national championships.

“We have decided to organise the nationals in June-July this year. We will have zonal matches, with two teams from each zone qualifying for the final to be held in Delhi,” he added.

While repeatedly pointing fingers at the IOA, which is headed by Suresh Kalmadi, Gill also alleged that the FIH (world body for the game) had committed a breach of trust. “The FIH had signed a contract with the Indian Hockey Confederation (a body proposed by the IHF) for the World Cup which was terminated on June 30, 2008, without any reason and then we heard of their contract with the IOA.”

The FIH had recognised Hockey India on the condition that it would put together a body consisting of all state units for men and women and also hold elections subsequently. This process is yet to be completed.

HI secretary-general Narendra Batra could not be contacted for reactions.