FIH, Ministry corner HI over polls

Hockey India (HI) on Tuesday found itself in a sticky situation. After expressing the desire to conduct elections on June 5, it has come under fire from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Sports Ministry.

While the FIH expressed its displeasure over HI missing the May deadline that the international body had set previously, the Ministry has advised HI to “not take further action” related to elections in the light of Delhi High Court order quashing the de-recognition of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), HI’s rival body.

According to reports, FIH secretary general, Peter L Cohen, had a telephonic conversation with his HI counterpart, Narinder Batra.

Cohen is believed to have told Batra that the FIH was disappointed that HI could not meet the May 31 deadline. However, he assured that no penalty would be imposed on the body or on its players.
The FIH’s patience could well be tested, as even the June 5 date seems improbable.

In a letter, a copy of which was marked to S.K. Mendiratta, the government appointed election observer, the Ministry has cautioned that elections should take place “once the entire matter (of the court ruling against the manner in which IHF was de-recognised) is examined in consultation with Ministry of Law.”