Squabbles within Indian hockey, autocratic bosses

Digvijay Singh Deo / CNN-IBN

INTERNAL POLITICS: Suresh Kalmadi howerver said that there is no rift within the team.

New Delhi: Mohammed Aslam Khan is the man in the centre of a storm. The convener of the adhoc committee running Indian hockey of late has been in the firing line for what many call an autocratic style of functioning a charge he vehemently denies.

“There are 5 Olympians whoa re looking after the selection committee. We have got nothing to do, I dont even attend the meeting. So saying this is an autocratic behaviour is not right,” says Mohammed Aslam.

Ironically the latest controversy in Indian hockey comes at a time when both the senior and junior men’s hockey teams have been in the winning mode.

It seems that sparks flew at a recent meeting and there were even threats of mass resignations. However, Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmdi had played down any rift.

“There is no rift in Indian hockey, if somebody has different rule that is a different matter. But we all are together,”,” says Kalmadi.

The IOA had taken over the running of Indian hockey after years of despotic rule by KPS Gill. But while things are looking up on the hockey pitch, the backroom battles remain with allegations flying thick and fast.

“You look at the accounts and it will tell you all. Don’t put charges without any reason,” adds Aslam.

The resignation of Randhir Singh from the adhoc committee too hasn’t helped with many questioning the reasons given. With a new foreign coach set to be appointed soon things seem to be looking up for Indian hockey only if these petty squabbles are left behind.