HI proposes dates for national camp

Hockey India has proposed to conduct both the men’s and women’s hockey camps from October 26 in New Delhi following a report in the HT about the delay in organising the national camp for the Asian Games-bound team. “We have proposed national camps in the Capital from October 26,” HI general secretary Narinder Batra said.

He, however, refused to comment on the ongoing controversy about the ‘only women’ coaches for the India women’s team. “I have no idea about this. The team management sends its report directly to the sports ministry. Team manager Rupa Saini has never bothered to inform HI.

HI’s decision to hold the camp in New Delhi has irked a number of players and officials of the women’s team. “Patiala is the most suitable place for holding the camp. Players there get a chance to play against the Centre of Excellence and NIS players. In Delhi, we won’t have much variety in training,” said a team official.