FIH asks Govt. to resolve issues

PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has written to the Union Sports Ministry, warning that India’s participation in the London Olympics and other international events may be jeopardised if issues relating to the governance of the sport were not resolved.

In a letter dated September 27, FIH President Leandro Negre has said the Sports Ministry should advise Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) against proceeding on their ‘settlement’ reached in July. It has said all lawsuits relating to the governance of hockey “must be finally resolved and terminated.”

The FIH has insisted the Government recognise HI as the sole governing body of the sport in India and not support any other unsanctioned organisation.

Negre has expressed the FIH’s interest in finding a way out of the impasse. “The FIH is in agreement with the settlement proposal of the Government’s 10-point principle document dated 16.06.2011. This proposal is to be discussed further between the Government and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).”

Negre also said the Government should send a letter to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), requesting it to clear FIH’s ‘dues’ from the 2010 World Cup.

He said that by adhering to all this India would fully comply with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter and the FIH Statutes and “there will be no concerns” about India’s participation in the Olympics and the FIH-sanctioned competitions.