FIH applying pressure tactics, says Harendra

Sudhanshu Bisen, TNN

NAGPUR: The FIH decision has shocked the country’s hockey fraternity. Former national coach Harendra Singh said the international body is applying pressure tactics to ensure that the government comes up with a solution regarding the game’s governance before the Olympic qualifiers.

“I am sure these are pressure tactics. The FIH wants to send a clear message that India should hurry up and end the prolonged debate. Otherwise, we might also end up losing the Olympic qualifiers too,” said Harendra, while talking to TOI.

“It’s high time that the concerned authorities sat down to sort out the issue. Else, we will lose the vital home advantage going into the qualifiers,” he added.

However, Harendra also felt that the FIH should have waited till the verdict. “I don’t think that there was a need to take such a drastic step. If they really want Indian hockey to do well and their intentions are right, then they (FIH) should have waited till the verdict. The matter is sub-judice,” said the former chief coach.

Harendra also blamed the sports ministry for hurrying up the merger talks between IHF and HI. “I think FIH was dealing with HI and Government of India should have not done the merger in a hurry. They should have waited till the Champions Trophy and the Olympic qualifiers.”