WSH optimistic about future

Krishna Kanta Chakraborty, TNN

CHENNAI: The authorities of the World Series Hockey ( WSH), scheduled to be held from February 29, put on a brave front dispelling doubts about the tournament even as Chennai Cheetahs were unveiled in a big function on Friday.

The International Hockey Federation (IHF) and Indian Hockey Federation (IFH) had a meeting in New Delhi on Friday and the outcome of the meeting was positive, according to Chennai Cheetahs owner LT Nanwani.

“All the franchisee owners had a meeting with IHF yesterday and IFH president RK Shetty had another meeting with FIH president Leonardo Negre in New Delhi today and they had a fruitful discussion. The tournament is on,” Nanwani told TOI adding “The court order clearly said that if the tournament doesn’t clash with any international event, it should be given clearance. There are some positive developments and we all hope that the tournament gets off as per the schedule.”

“The union ministry was never opposed to the event and we do not know why it’s taking so long to resolve the matter? There are some egoistic administrators, who think they are above all and fail to understand that they are killing the national sport by fighting with each other. We want to promote hockey and will take whatever necessary steps are required to be taken…” a Chennai Cheetahs official told TOI.

However, participation of the current India players in the tournament remained a big concern and two of the Indian Overseas Bank players – Adam Sinclair and Amardeep Ekka – who have signed for Chennai Cheetahs, are yet to get clearance from their employers.

“We want all the players to participate in the tournament. Most of the players have been cleared by their employers and we hope IOB will also do the same. I will personally talk to the IOB officials and try to solve the matter before the tournament starts. In case, they don’t give NOC to the players they need not worry. I’ve advised Adam and Amardeep to leave IOB and they can join my company if they want… We’ve taken initiative to bring back the lost glory of our national game and we should give our best efforts to popularise the sport in the country.,” Nanwani added.

Chennai Cheetahs coach Jose Brasa said the players should not suffer and the authorities at the highest level must understand that such an event will give hockey a massive boost and help the sport grow in the country.

“The rule is pretty clear where FIH says a domestic tournament must get the clearance from the national federation but in this case that did not happen so far. But we all hope the matter will resolve before the championship. I’ve been associated with Indian hockey and I want the sport to develop in India. I hope the officials will take a final decision keeping the players’ future in mind,” said Brasa.

Australian Olympian Brent Livermore, who will captain Chennai team, hoped the tournament would start and Chennai would finish their inaugural campaign on a high note.