Women’s team could benefit from men’s rebellion

The rebellion of the men’s national team against Hockey India could pave the way for the women’s team to also get cash incentives.

Speaking to Hindustan Times on Saturday, former secretary of the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation (IWHF) and member of HI’s affiliation sub-committee, Amrit Bose, said, “Whatever cash incentives or salaries are finalised for the men’s team, I am sure, the same would be extended to the women players.
“The women’s team is performing well and they should concentrate on their training. As far as incentives are concerned, they (women’s team) will not be ignored,” Bose added.

Even as the men’s team refused to practice at the ongoing camp in Pune on Friday, demanding payment of allowances and incentives, their women counterparts expressed solidarity with them, saying the men’s team had done the right thing and they fully supported them.

“The incentives should be extended to women players too,” said striker Mamta Kharab. “Incentives motivate players. We play for the country’s pride and will continue to do so. There will be no lack of commitment from our side,” she added.

“Hockey India officials should have also called the women players for Saturday’s discussions on incentives.
The women players have never got their due, but I hope this time around HI treats them at par,” said Dronacharya Awardee, Baldev Singh.