World Series Hockey: still a guessing game!

S. Thyagarajan

Leandro Negre cannot be more explicit. The FIH boss cites the letter of the law on participation by players in non-sanctioned competitions.

His observations at a media interaction in New Delhi on Wednesday obviously cast a shadow again on the World Series Hockey (WSH) scheduled from February 29.

Diplomatic

The FIH president was diplomatic. He conceded the players’ right to play wherever they want. But he underlined the threat of disqualification from FIH tournaments. How it will impact the postponed WSH is unclear. Mr. Negre outlined the features of the FIH’s ambitious World League scheduled after the London Olympics.

The spade-work and the sponsorship details are undisclosed; nor any mention about prize money.

On the agenda for a long time since the days of his predecessor, Ms. Els, the WHL (now modified) continued to hit the hump over the question of sponsorship. It requires millions of dollars.

Super league

The FIH has the right to organise a super league and link it with the Olympics and World championship.

No one can contest this. But what needs to be clarified relates to the benefit that will accrue for the players. While the WSH promises handsome bonuses for everyone, the FIH project remains in the grey area on this. When competitive sport is turning increasingly professional and financially rewarding, it is imprudent to ignore the dividends to players. It is precisely on this aspect that WSH has managed to attract a large number of the fraternity.

This includes former officials of the FIH with experience and efficiency in conducting competitions. The role of the former FIH competitions director, Dennis Meredith, is a case in point.

Mr. Negre’s pronouncements have come at a time when India is almost near the Olympic door. The sequence of victories has mirrored the efficacy of the training by the Aussie coach, Michael Nobbs. Even Negre has acknowledged the palpable improvement since the last Commonwealth Games. If India passes this litmus test of surging back into the Olympic fold it will be viewed as a sign of resurgence, and rightly so. Marketing the sport can well become easier.

The timing of Mr. Negre’s media interaction is somewhat intriguing. More so, on the points of eligibility, disqualification, WSH, etc. Clearly, they point to a subtle attempt to derail the postponed WSH again; or, at least, prohibiting a bulk of Indians from taking part.

An area of conflict is emerging again even as players and coaches signed up for WSH are making their appearance for the start at different centres.

The players are being made pawns in the power game. It is indisputable. This is tragic.

Players’ prosperity and financial security seem to be the least among the concerns of the administrators. Those willing to offer them are shunted out.

The irony is baffling.