Graded system of payment: More money on cards for Indian players

The Indian hockey players, who went on strike demanding money, will get Rs 10,000 each per match at the ongoing Hero Honda FIH Hockey World Cup.

Hockey India is going ahead and implementing the decision taken by the Special Committee set up to decide on the gradation system. They will get the same amount for playing in the Olympic Games and the Champions Trophy.

The match fees for the Asian Games, Asia Cup, Commonwealth Games and other FIH-approved events for both the men and women players would be Rs 5,000 each.

Hockey India secretary, Narendra Batra, told Hindustan Times that “As the committee was set up before the World Cup, whatever decision it takes will be applicable for the World Cup as well.” However, it is learnt that the players have not accepted the proposal in totality, as they have not been able to discuss the issue among themselves.

The players are reportedly seeking Rs 20,000 per match and some extra incentives.
Going by their sentiments and Hockey India’s limitations in arranging the funds, another confrontation could be round the corner. But a HI official said the body was open to hiking the fees in future. “We have proposed Rs 10,000 as match fee but we will increase it later,” he said. The players are happy that their demand for a graded system has been accepted. According to the proposal accepted at the Special Committee meeting on February 16, five grades have been made.

The top bracket (A*) will include men’s team players who have played 150 matches or more, while for women, it is 125-plus matches. These players will get 50 per cent of the match fees as incentive.

The players have also been promised monetary incentives for winning medals. The players will get Rs three lakh, two lakh and one lakh respectively for winning medals in the Asian Games, Asia Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

The committee will also ask the government to hike the daily allowance for overseas trips to $50.

During camps, the core group probables will get Rs 500 as pocket allowance.