On 25th Saturday, Executive Committee of the rival faction of the Tamil Nadu Hockey Association met at Coimbatore. It decides to hold inter-district Sr. Hockey competition at Madurai between 18th and 22nd Nov. Other age group competitions will also be held respectively in Tirunelveli (Junior) and Krishnagiri (Sub-Junior) dates for which likely to be announced shortly.

Solai Raja, who head the faction that challenges the group headed by former IHF Secretary General K. Jothikumaran – he is presently the THHA Secretary — assured the gathering Rs.1 lac worth insurance cover for the players participating in these competitions.

According to sources, 21 district secretaries / presidents, including notable former players and tournament organizers participated. Interestingly, seven units of the Chennai Hockey Association too were among those present.

It is interesting to note here that the Chennai Hockey Association (CHA) has a big role in deciding the fate of TNHA. There are about 60 hockey clubs under CHA, each cluster of five clubs will carry a vote in the TNHA election. It is gathered that the CHA had at least six votes in the previous election, which was held 13, 14 years ago. Manipulators are out on the Chennai turf as anyone who controls this fort can have an edge in the election. Rival faction head Jothikumaran has announced TNHA election on Nov 23.

One Panchapagesan, retd IPS, is the CHA president while one of former Olympian V. Baskaran’s brothers was Secretary. As he is no more, Baskaran has been co-opted in his place. It is said in the Chennai’s gossip corridors that Baskaran is a staunch supporter of Jothikumaran faction. It is also said that co-opted secretary’s tenure is three months, which Bakaran has crossed. More on the front is not known.

MCC’s Rajiv Reddy and former Olympian Md.Riaz were among the special invitees to grace the occasion at Coimbatore. Riaz was also spotted in the Amby Valley gathering organized by Sahara scion JB Roy.

The Meeting was organized by Coimbatore District Hockey Association whose president Lakshmi Narayanaswamy welcomed the gathering.He heads a chain of educational institutions in the industrial city.