Sports ministry accepts IHF’s request for a week’s time

NEW DELHI: The sports ministry on Tuesday accepted Indian Hockey Federation’s request to grant it one week’s time to spell out their position on government’s proposal to merge with Hockey India.

The sports ministry had on Saturday served the two federations a two-day ultimatum to either merge into a unified national body or face stern action.

Sports minister Ajay Maken said HI has accepted the 10-point proposal while IHF has sought another week’s time.

“Last Saturday sports ministry had called both HI and IHF and offered a 10-point truce and I am happy to say that HI have agreed to all the points,” Maken told reporters.

“IHF have also commended the ministry for the effort but asked for a week’s time so that they can speak to all the members and we are giving IHF the one week time.

“We are hopeful that IHF will agree to all the points. We are waiting for their response in writing, after that we will see what we do,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the IHF had claimed that the government’s power-sharing formula was “tilted towards HI”.

“It is a great effort on the part of the ministry but after going through the proposal we have found that it is not at all balanced. The proposal is not in the interest of IHF. It is tilted towards HI,” IHF secretary Ashok Mathur.

However, Maken said both IHF and HI have been given equal rights in the proposal and under the given situation it was the best option for both the federations.

“HI is the body recognised by the FIH and IOA and also the merger of the women and men’s body have not taken place. So as far as govt guidelines are considered they are on a weak wicket. In totality if you look, we are giving IHF a chance by this merger,” Maken said.

“Also to former IHF president KPS Gill we are offering him a life-time patron of the merged body, although he is 70 years old and it is against one of our own govt guidelines. Also IHF have entered into number of deals so we have to find a solution amicably,” said Maken.

In its letter, the IHF said the proposal impacts all their hockey units and they need time to consult the 10 points in detail to avoid any legal issues.

“As I’m sure the MYAS appreciates the actions being recommended by your proposal potentially impacts all hockey units affiliated to the IHF and thus requires due consideration and consultation as per democratic process prescribed in IHF constitution,” the letter said.

“After submitting the proposal we do not want to get into any legal hassles later with any hockey units. Accordingly I am sure the MYAS will grant us the very reasonable time frame being sort by IHF to duly consider the MYAS proposal,” it added.