Government needs to sort out IHF, HI mess

STICKWORK

Gurbux Singh

The international hockey federation (FIH) is absolutely right in warning the players against participating in the Indian Hockey Federation-floated World Series Hockey.

The IHF is not recognised by the apex body, so the players should never think of playing in the WSH. And, if at all the Indian players fall to the trap of lucre and glitz, that will be catastrophic for Indian hockey.

The WSH reminds me of the Indian Cricket League, which never got International Cricket Council (ICC)’s recognition. And I think this WSH will meet its natural death just like the ICL.

I would like to see the FIH and Indian government sorting out this IHF and Hockey India (HI) mess. For this is affecting every one, from the organisers of tournaments to the players.

Just think of the Bengal Hockey Association’s plight. Our teams were participating in the Nationals and generally, the practice is we get train tickets at a concession.

But, since the HI and IHF are engaged in a legal battle the Railways just refused to grant us the concession.

Now think of hockey associations who have a shoe string budget. We have to spend extra amount for booking tickets. The sooner this mess is sorted out the better it is for Indian hockey.

Another thing making news was the appointment of Ajay Maken as the new sports minister.

I think MS Gill was doing an exceptionally good job and I only hope the new sports minister continues with the work done by Gill.

Gill has the courage to take on the sports federations, where most of the officials are sitting at the helm for god knows how many years.

I personally support Gill’s idea that no official should be at the helm for more than two terms. That’s the reason why I won’t seek a re-election in the BHA.

I will be completing my two terms and will happily allow the next generation to take charge. But then very few like to relinquish power and that has been a bane for Indian sport, in general.

I also support Suresh Kalmadi’s removal as the chairman of the Commonwealth Games organising committee. He did not do anything worthwhile and in hindsight this came a bit too late. Had it been done much earlier, the nation would not have been disgraced.

Coming back to Indian hockey, the HI conducted interviews for aspiring coaches and several interesting candidates have applied.

I think the HI should also interview foreign coaches who will work in tandem with the national coach. Not someone like Jose Brasa but someone as good as Ric Charlesworth. It’s a difficult task to but not impossible.

Indian hockey needs a good foreign coach if we want to make it to London in 2012.