Sports ministry asks IHF to postpone October 3 polls

NEW DELHI: With the Indian Hockey Federation failing to clarify its stand on its merger with IWHF, the sports ministry on Thursday advised the sport body to postpone its polls, scheduled for October 3.

The sports ministry had sent two letters to IHF, seeking clarification on their merger with IWHF and had also sought details of the election process.

Deepika Kachhal, a Director in Ministry, wrote to IHF president KPS Gill and said that since their response is awaited they should not go ahead with polls.

“Now, with only one working day left before the proposed date of elections, there is not enough time available to examine the issues in detail. You are, therefore, advised to postpone the elections as of now and satisfy the Government on various issues related to the merger of IHF and IWHF and the election process,” the letter said.

The ministry had also reminded IHF that they will have to adhere to the government guidelines, if they are to be recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF).