Ego problems responsible for delay in HI polls: FIH

NEW DELHI: The International Hockey Federation, on Saturday, said that ego clash and political differences within the state bodies were behind the delay in the Hockey India elections and the poll process has to be completed by May 31 to avoid suspension from the world association.

FIH president Leandro Negre said India was the only nation in world hockey which does not have an elected body comprising men’s and women’s wing under one roof.

“Earlier, we were not consistent with our deadlines because there were different issues, including High Court stay order, but now we are in a much better position. In the last two weeks during the World Cup we approached the states to solve the problems and come out with a compromise formula. Some of them have been fixed and some promised us it will be done,” Negre told reporters.

“There are only ego problems and political differences that can be avoided. The FIH has really put a lot of energy and time on these issues but now we have to be strong. We have to pass on a clear message to all these tricky people that it is the final deadline. If a couple of states remain we will ask HI to set up the federation with the rest and solve the other issues later.

“We have 128 affiliated nations under FIH and India is the only country in the world which does not have a merged elected body of men and women,” he added.

The FIH chief said although he was happy with the way the FIH World Cup was organised, it could have been a smooth affair if an elected national federation was in place in India.

“If a strong federation was there, it would have been easier for us to run the World Cup. We conducted the World Cup in joint venture with the Indian Olympic Association. But I am happy because the final result is good,” Negre said.

“But the FIH is very glad with the fantastic organisation of the World Cup. Our expectation behind giving the World Cup to India has been achieved.”

The FIH president also said that he was happy with India’s performance in the World Cup even though the home team won only one match in the tournament and finished on a lowly eighth position, three places better that last edition of the event in Monchengladbach, Germany.

“I was following India from the last World Cup. It’s true they have won only one match similar to last World Cup but they have made big improvement in their performance. You can’t change things in one night. Jose Brasa started coaching the team just seven-eight months back and in such short time, one can’t expect miracles,” Negre said.

“But the team needs to be consistent. What I feel is that they are making little mistakes and lack in concentration. In this World Cup, there is very little gap between all the teams.”

Negre was of the view that Indian hockey needs private domestic tournaments to revive the interest in the game among countrymen.

“Indian hockey needs top private competitions like IPL. But it should be conducted under the umbrella of Hockey India, not under any company because profits from these events must be invested back into the game,” Negre said.

Asked about the minimal representation from Asia in world hockey, he said, “Asia’s representation is very important but Asia needs good leaders. We miss strong leaders from Asia. If a strong Hockey India is set up, I hope it will give us good leaders from India.”

Negre also hinted that the world body was exploring the possibilities of making numerous changes in the scheduling of international tournaments, including the World Cup.

“We have a proposal from the Competitions Committee of awarding two wild card entrants in the Champions Trophy. We are also thinking of organising Champions Trophy in every two years from 2012.

“Personally, I am in favour of jointly holding the men’s and women’s World Cup. If we can do that it will be fantastic and better for the game. But from the marketing aspects of the events it is better to run them separate,” he said.