Hockey India to hold elections on February 7

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Hockey India, on Monday, decided to hold its elections on February 7.

After a meeting of the HI officials in the presence of International Hockey Federation Vice-President Antonio von Ondarza and Government-appointed observer S.K. Mendiratta, the Indian federation granted affiliation to two important state units — Punjab and Delhi — and finalised the date for the much-expected elections.

“We made substantial progress today. Punjab and Delhi have been given recognition. We have finalised all the procedures and February 7 has been fixed as the final date for the elections. The documentation for the election is ready for the FIH and government observer to study,” HI President A.K. Mattoo said after the meeting.

“We were forced to shift the elections date because of the delay in giving the 21-day notice period.

Mendiratta will not be available from February 2-6. So, February 7 is the date for the elections,” Mattoo added.

The HI President said the Sports Ministry’s directives would be followed during the election process.

Von Ondarza, an FIH-appointed observer, was satisfied with the progress.

‘Pleased’

“I am very pleased with today’s meeting. We have made a big advance as far as HI elections are concerned. We came to a clear understanding of the election process.

“The FIH is very happy to know that at last we have come to a solution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh was not given affiliation as it could not merge its six units while Kerala was not granted recognition because of a court case.