The message is loud and clear

S. Thyagarajan

FIH is in a mood to say enough is enough

May 31 deadline for HI elections

Chennai: Leandro Negre did not mince any words. He was categorical, his message clear. It was an ultimatum to set Hockey India house in order by May 31, or face the consequences. If FIH sticks to it, India will be out of international competitions.

Exasperated by the inordinate delay in holding elections citing legal problems, the FIH is in a mood to say enough is enough. Some influential members in the Executive Board believe India has been given too long a rope since May 2009. They were presumably silenced by the necessity to conduct the World Cup in Delhi.

Now that the event is over, the FIH will flex its muscles. In more than one forum, Negre emphasised that the patience was wearing thin.

At the last media interaction on Saturday, the FIH boss did some plain speaking. He asserted that further postponement would dent FIH’s image. He categorised India’s problem as unique.

Ego problems

Negre’s pronouncement of “ego problems” precluding free, fair and democratically held elections triggered a debate. He was, understandably, reluctant to name anyone. He knew the media was aware of the actors.

Negre had earlier appealed to the warring segments to come together and sort out the differences.

He urged players, umpires, coaches and the media to boldly express themselves about the impending danger to their roles in promotion of the game.

Negre, probably, had been briefed or misguided, into believing that the units seeking remedy were holding up the electoral process. He even stated that one or two associations had stalled the elections.

The FIH boss needs to be reminded that the matters had become complicated because of the methodology adopted by the IOA-powered HI in determining the norms for voting rights. Sacking State associations that had been functioning for decades, and creating new ones had caused a lot of heartburn.

Considerable opposition

There had been considerable opposition to the proposals. Players of the stature of Pargat Singh openly accused powerful elements in the IOA of attempting to hijack the administration.

The recognition granted to Punjab after heated polemical exchanges is a case in point.

So was the Maharashtra Olympic Association’s move to deflect the membership for the State’s hockey administration, which was in the approved list.

The reaction to Negre’s ultimatum is not known. The FIH can no longer be pressured. The goal of holding a financially successful event has been achieved.

The FIH now wants to be seen that it means business, since a majority opinion is for firm handling of the issues involving the Indian administration.

Officials keen to take charge of the hockey affairs must understand that time is not on their side. If India is suspended, these men and women will be held guilty of destroying everything gained through a history of great achievements.

The huge fraternity is looking forward to the country going up the ladder.

The spectator response during the World Cup was a clear mandate for a quick shift to the progress mode