SUPER DIVISION LEAGUE

Teams opting out will not face action: KSHA

Bangalore: The Karnataka State Hockey Association (KSHA) will soon meet the managements of the Super Division teams to impress upon them the need to conduct its flagship league in Madikeri.

With the Akkithimmanahalli turf beyond repair, the KSHA’s executive council took a decision recently that the league be shifted to Madikeri. A majority of the teams have already been informed about
the decision but the association has planned the interaction nevertheless to clear any doubt teams may have about the league.

One factor that may trouble a few teams is the board and lodging in Madikeri. The KSHA has made it clear that the participating units will have to meet their expenses and as such, expects a few withdrawals too. The teams will be given the freedom to choose their course without penalty and the fear that they may be relegated to the lower division next year. “We have to be realistic about the situation,” KSHA secretary K Krishnamurthy told TOI. “We have shifted the league to Madikeri because the turf in Bangalore needs to be replaced. We will try and convince the teams about the importance of their participation. But we will not coerce them.”

However, Krishnamurthy feels the withdrawal pangs are bound to affect only a minority. “At this point in time, I don’t think we are faced with such a situation. It makes no difference to outstation teams whether they are playing in Bangalore or Madikeri. The army and police teams will make their arrangements. SAI has a centre in Madikeri and Canara Bank are prepared to pay for their expenses.

“With all this, if teams do have a problem, they can stay out without fear. They will continue to be in Super Division next year. The only exceptions are Central Excise and IAF who finished at the bottom of the table. In case they opt out, they will play in the A Division.”

Krishnamurthy also said that the other leagues — A Division downwards — will be held in Bangalore.