Hockey India to send teams to Malaysia, Ireland

R Sedhuraman

The Supreme Court today allowed Hockey India (HI) to select and send the Indian teams to the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Malaysia from May 5 and the Women’s Championship in Ireland from June 18.

A Bench comprising JM Panchal and HL Gokhale clarified that HI would continue to field the national teams in all tournaments until further orders.

The court issued the directive even as the government pleaded for a three-week adjournment of the hearing as efforts were on to resolve the dispute involving HI, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), besides the Ministry of Sports. IHF also supported the government’s plea for deferring the hearing.

The problem has arisen due to the fact that IHF has been recognized by the government, while HI is the sole body authorized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Just a couple of days ago, FIH had written to the IHF, making it clear that HI alone could send the Indian team to the tournaments held under the aegis of FIH. The apex court has fixed the next hearing for June 18.