The Memorandum the agitating Olympians submitted to Sports Minister of India, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, last week, speaks volume for its ground work to highlight the present plight of Indian hockey to the highest authorities. Also, a need for pinpointing the problem areas, with short and long term solutions to lift the hockey from the deep morasses. Quite contrast to the first memorandum they released after taking out a rally, the tune and tenor of this memorandum is belligerent, so to say. They even adovated a incometax raid on a IHF functionary, the bold plea of which made many of us take note and sit.

The first part of the memorandum lists India’s poor ranking in various international tournaments and then goes on to highlight six major problem areas. It outlines both immediate and Medium –to — Long Term plan of action. The salient features of the memorandum is given below:

PROBLEMS FACING HOCKEY SPORT

On a larger scale, main problems that confront hockey are lack of adequate number of artificial surface grounds, their distribution and availability to youngsters, escalating cost of playing equipment, the need for other essential facilities, source of motivation for the youth etc.

However, nations that have far less facilities than us and much less player base are defeating us at the worldlevel competitions due to

• Mis-management of hockey at national level by the present Indian Hockey Federation.

Frequent change of coaches, not organizing National Championships regularly, neglect of grassroot development, misplaced priorities, dictatorial attitude, unprofessional outlook are some of them.

• Whimsical and wayward team selection and preparation

Selection Committee for selecting Indian teams was formed only after public protests in 2004. Required state-of-art technical support and professional staff are not given to national coaches.

• Focus on commercial gains rather than on hockey development at all levels.

Tournaments or test matches are organized or undertaken without for any specific purpose or target, but with a view to make money, send favourites abroad and other non-sporting considerations.

• Corruption

IHF does not submit accounts in its AGMs. All of its financial dealings are secret. While government pays for tours, coaching camps and scientific support, IHF wastes its resources on free tours and other avoidable exercises. When the Television Sponsors like ESPN and industrial establishment like Sahara sponsors other sports like cricket, the sponsorship amounts are announced publically. The same organizations (ESPN & Sahara) sponsor Indian hockey, but the IHF never made the sponsorship fee public.

A. FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

MYAS to take necessary measures to assert its role in the proper governance of hockey sport, as it funds foreign tours, extends financial and technical assistance in team preparation directly or through SAI. Hockey survives because of government funds, its various schemes and patronage. Therefore, we suggest and demand:

1. Institute an Enquiry Commission to find out reasons behind India’s pathetic shows at the recent World Cup and Asian Games and fix responsibility and take the perpetrators to the task.

Background: For winning Olympic silver but not gold, such Commissions were instituted by government of India in the past: 1961 (Sarin Committee), 1968 (C.L.Mehta Committee), and 1976 (Sikandar Committee) and others. Findings of these Committees’ reports were implemented which helped hockey improve, expose and eradicate sins of misgovernance by the Indian Hockey Federation.

2. Constitute a Hockey Steering Committee within the MYAS, consisting of reputed hockey Olympians, to monitor and advise all matters relating to hockey such as selection and preparation of national teams; monitor and whet IHF’s proposals, gather feedback and sport intelligence, proper implementation of LTDPs and other vital aspects. This Committee will ensure proper utilization of resources allocated to IHF.

Background: Had such a Committee been there in place, wastful exercise such as spending Rs.70 lac on avoidable and unnecessary fitness camp at USA on the eve of 2004 Athens Olympics would have been avoided. Then Sports Minister Shri Sunil Dutt went on record and condemned openly such a big waste of government money by the IHF.

3. A stern warning statement from Minister to IHF to streamline their work to produce results and safeguard the honour of sport.

Background: If the Indian hockey does not qualify for the Olympics, massive public anger will erupt and as the representative of people the Minister have to face adverse questions in parliament.

4. Immediate Scrutiny of IHF accounts by the MYAS or the ministry approach Enforcement Directorate or CBI to do the same.

Background: