In its unrelenting efforts to streamline Indian sports, the government today shot off a strong letter to FIH, stating relevant provisions in the government that a private body which hockey India claims so, cannot use the name or emblem of union of India.

The government also informed the FIH that it has the sole right to decided who will be the National Sports Federation.

Earlier in the day, the FIH, which is supposed to be the neutral body, surprised everyone coming down heavily on the Ministry indicating its preference to Hockey India.

The operative portions of the letter of Government of India.

“Consequent upon de-recognition of HI, the Registrar of Society of Delhi, with whom HI are registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860, has been duly advised to withdraw permission from the Society for the use of the name of Hockey India, which conveys the impression of government recognition or patronage. Please note that under the names and emblem Act, 1950, no society can use the name of the Union without the approval of the union government. Since HI stands derecognized and is no more authorized to function as the NSF for Hockey in Inda, it has to change its name and revise its Memorandum of Association to fit with its private character. The Registra of Society has been informed accordingly.