Don’t change venue of Champions Trophy: IOA

The Indian Olympic Association has expressed concern over the International Hockey Federation’s step to shift the venue of this year’s Champions Trophy from the Indian capital.
IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said on Wednedsay that any talk of hosting the tournament elsewhere at the last moment will have an adverse effect on hockey in the country.

“Hockey is India’s national game and it enjoys the support of millions. Fans are keenly awaiting to see the best teams of the world play at the National Stadium,“ Malhotra said.

Malhotra assured FIH chief Leandro Negre that the dispute regarding the game’s administration in India would be sorted out amicably.

“In any case FIH is already dealing with Hockey India (HI) and it should continue to do that.“ Malhotra put the blame squarely on the government for trying tried to set up a “wholly unworkable arrangement by having two federations to look after hockey.“

“This however does not mean that India should be deprived of the Champions Trophy. FIH should deal with HI and IOA and not with the government on this issue.
“We have made our stand very clear to the sports ministry,“ he added. He said that the IOA is very keen that Indian hockey regain its glory and sought the FIH’s support for it. -PTI