Kehar Singh named on Hockey India panel

Mumbai: In an effort to resolve the affiliation process of the three hockey units from Maharashtra, Hockey India (HI), on Monday, announced a three-member committee to represent the state at the national body elections.

In a letter to the Mumbai, Maharashtra and Vidarbha hockey associations, HI secretary general Narendra Batra said Kehar Singh, — who was ousted from the Mumbai hockey association — Rekha Bhide, president of the Maharashtra women’s association and BC Bhartia, president of Vidarbha association, will represent the state. Kehar has been nominated as the secretary with Rekha as president. Bhartia is made the treasurer. Batra stated the decision was taken following a meeting ofthe members of all three associations on April 20.

The move, however, could invite trouble for HI, as all three state associations are united to oppose it. The associations have questioned the appointment of Kehar, who was foundguilty of misleading Maharashtra Olympic Association with false documents.

“A letter was written to HI by MOA secretary general Babasaheb Landge in January in which he clearly mentioned that Kehar had forged documents to get affiliation to Maharashtra Hockey Association (MHA). Based on that letter, the MHA affiliation was withdrawn. Now how can they take Kehar in the committee,” asked a senior member of the associations.

MHA spokesman Joaquim Carvalho said their advocates are reviewing the letter and will take action in due course of time. Batra was unavailable for comment.