Hockey India extends deadline by another 48 hours

Special Correspondent

Players stick to demand on written assurances

Maximum of Rs. 4.5 lakh per player to be paid

Pune: Hockey India has extended the deadline by another 48 hours for the agitating players to report for training. The camp will halt if players stay away, then resume later with available players from the present lot or with a fresh list.

A.K. Mattoo, HI President, clarified that there is no talk of suspension.

“The players are assembled in Balewadi to train. If they do not train they should leave the camp, he said, addressing the media after a meeting with the entire 22-member men’s squad at the Athletics Hall here on Tuesday.

Incidentally, HI’s deadline was 24 hours and was communicated to the players who then went back to the hostel. FIH Vice-President Antonio von Ondarza’s request to extend it to 48 hours was made during the media briefing and accepted by Mattoo. Chief coach Jose Brasa and assistants were present.

The players, after being told by the media about the 48-hour deadline extension to resume training, stuck to their position about written assurances from HI on cash incentives for podium finishes in 2009 at the Azlan Shah Cup, Champions Challenge and Test series wins.

“All we are asking from HI is assurances in writing,” he said. “Now if they want us to leave camp, we will go.”

About resuming training, the players are clear that practice sessions under coach Brasa will resume on receipt of written assurances from HI.

Written assurance

“We are not demanding that HI deposit the cheques now. Give us written assurances that pending incentives will be paid in future,” pointed out Prabhjot Singh.

The money works out to maximum of Rs. 4.5 lakh per player who had played in all events last year, including those not in the 22-member list.

“We submitted a detailed break-up in writing, listing all players representing India in 2009 wins and payments for each one. All did not play all events, so cash incentive for each one is different, based on appearances,” said Adrian D’Souza.

Mattoo had a different view. He said the players put cash before country, demanding Rs. 4.5 lakh per player as condition for resuming training.

“HI came into existence in May 2009 and will cease to exist after February 7, 2010 elections. We don’t have that kind of money now. Rs 4.5 lakh per player is a huge sum. We don’t want to pass on the burden to the next office-bearers.”

Deepak Thakur raised the issue of Rs. one crore cash incentive promised by HI treasurer N. Batra for a podium finish at the 2010 World Cup.

“Mr. Batra promised Rs. one crore per player if India finished among the medals at the World Cup. He said HI would beg, borrow or steal to arrange the cash promised. What stops HI from doing that now to arrange cash incentives for 2009 victories?

Mattoo’s assertion of the World Cup probables preferring cash over the chance to represent India in 2010 WC is questioned by Thakur.

“We let go money for the opportunity to play for India. Representing my employers (Indian Oil) in domestic tournaments is worth Rs. 50,000 over a 10-day period. I lose that money by missing local tournaments to attend national camps,” he said.

HI’s refusal to assure direct talks with India sponsor Sahara India is also a sore point with the players. “They refused our point about arranging direct talks with Sahara, saying that all sponsor money till April 2011 has come and that HI does not have the money to pay us,” said Adrian.

Direct dialogue

“We wish for a direct dialogue with the team sponsor to know the reality.”

Mattoo shared the Sahara cheque payments break-up with the media. “Hockey India is in litigation with Sahara. Their agreement was with the previous administration (Indian Hockey Federation),” he said, referring to a case filed in the Kolkata High Court.

According to the HI president, Sahara had paid around Rs. 1.78 crore so far and the next payment is due in April 2011. The break-up, according to the figures announced by Mattoo at the media briefing is November 2009 (two cheques for Rs. 49.49 lakh each) and December 2009 (Rs. 79.49 lakh). Hero Honda is the 2010 World Cup sponsor.

“Hero Honda deal is with the FIH for the tournament. HI is just the custodian. Mr. von Ondarza has promised to help India after the World Cup from the surplus, if any.”

Meanwhile, Prabhjot welcomed Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill’s assurance of a fair deal for the players after the World Cup.

“I’m happy Sports Minister Gill has spoken on the matter. I came to know about it from the media and will discuss it with all 22 teammates before coming up with a team response.”