Hold elections or face suspension!

Y. B. SARANGI

THE HINDU TALKING TOUGH: Leandro Negre has spelt out in no uncertain terms that failure to set its house in order could cost Hockey India dear. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

In a clear message to different warring factions in Indian hockey, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday said that it would suspend Hockey India (HI) if elections to the National body were not held by May 31.

FIH President Leandro Negre said it was important that all groups in Indian hockey looked ahead. “The deadline is May 31. After that we will suspend Indian hockey as a member of the FIH,” Negre told The Hindu.

The FIH chief was disgusted with the infighting which had been holding back Indian hockey. “Stop this, be responsible and let us look ahead,” said Negre. He suggested that people who had been into hockey administration at State level for long should bury the hatchet for the larger interest of the game.

“Yes, it is a message to all warring parties to stop quarrelling, come together and hold elections,” said Negre.

Earlier, the FIH had said that an elected HI should be in place before the conduct of the World Cup. However, the elections, scheduled to be held in the first week of February, had to be put on hold following a Rajasthan High Court order staying the minutes of a meeting where affiliations to State units had been finalised.

Several other court cases were also filed in different parts of the country and the HI was asked to sort out the mess to pave the way for affiliations and elections.

IF THE HI IS SUSPENDED BY THE FIH, THE PLAYERS WILL BE THE ULTIMATE SUFFERERS AS THE NATIONAL TEAMS WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.

NEGRE WAS UNHAPPY THAT SOME PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO POSE HURDLES IN THE ELECTION PROCESS. “WE HAVE 30 UNITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE FORMALITIES. ONLY ONE UNIT HAS SOME PROBLEM AND IT GOES TO THE COURT AND STOPS THE ENTIRE PROCESS. THE MAJORITY SUFFERS BECAUSE OF THAT,” HE SAID.

THE FIH PRESIDENT APPEALED TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE SPORT TO RAISE THEIR VOICES AGAINST THIS. “EVERYBODY — THE PLAYERS, COACHES, PRESS — HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY,” HE SAID.

GILL’S COOPERATION

Negre appreciated the cooperation of Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill in this regard. “Mr. Gill was very supportive. He wanted that elections are held democratically, in a free and fair manner,” the FIH chief said.

The ongoing World Cup has been surrounded with several controversies. Negre, however, was happy that it went on nicely despite the hiccups.

Negre favoured the video referrals, one of the most talked-about topics in the World Cup, despite its shortcomings. “The referrals were good for the game. We had some very good decisions because of the referrals. The only problem is when a counterattack takes place. It should be done immediately. We have to meet and find out a solution,” he said.