THE AD HOC committee, constituted by the Indian Olympic Association to administer hockey in the country, is reportedly considering conducting the Indian Hockey League (IHL) instead of the Premier Hockey League (PHL).

According to sources, the situation arose after the committee got to know that the suspended IHF chief, K.P.S. Gill, was planning to hold the PHL. “If not the PHL, we can hold the IHL this time,” ad hoc committee convener, Mohammad Aslam, told HT.

“No decision has been taken as yet as our priority is to revive Indian hockey by re-launching the sub-junior, junior and senior nationals,” he added.

Gill claimed since the PHL, which kicked off in 2004 with the aim to re- vive the golden days of Indian hockey, was his brainchild, he would be conducting it this time too. “It’s our baby and we would certain- ly be conducting it,” said Gill, who claimed all the members had ‘confirmed’ participation for the IHF’s annual general meeting called by him on September 17.

ESPN-Star Sports — sponsors of the PHL, confirmed they hadn’t decided on this year’s edition as they were “keeping an eye” on the outcome of the court battle between the two factions.

“We haven’t decided anything. Whoever comes out with authority after the court’s verdict, we will approach them for the conduct of the tournament,” said an official, adding, “It’s a rumour that IHF officials have personal stakes in the PHL. We have nothing to do with the personal issues of an individual, we are here to promote Indian hockey .” Big events lined up Besides conducting the Senior Nationals in Pune and the maiden Asian Championship Trophy next year, the ad hoc committee also has chalked out plans for the conduct of some big events next year. “Hockey in India will come up in a big way next year and we even have proposals from some state associations for the conduct of some big tourneys,” said an official of the ad hoc committee.

“The Punjab Hockey Association has pro posed a four-nation meet next year, and we have requested the Federation of Interna tional Hockey to allow us to re-organise the Indira Gandhi International meet (March April) and also the Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament. “If we succeed in our plans, we would also be able to conduct the Cham pions Trophy in 2012 at Delhi,” he added.