Maken calls WSH the best-ever tournament held in India

Union sports minister Ajay Maken, who watched the final of the World Series Hockey, on Monday gave a thumbs-up to the tournament and called it the best-ever sporting event to be organised in India.

“I congratulate the organisers of WSH – Indian Hockey Federation and Nimbus Sport – for reviving the national game of hockey. This is the best-ever tournament conducted in India,” Maken said after he was introduced to the players of both the finalists.

“The game of hockey as well as the players have benefited the most,” he said.

“My hearty congratulations to Gurjinder Singh, who has emerged as the highest scorer in the tournament. He celebrated his 18th birthday (yesterday) and scored his 19th goal,” said Maken.

The tournament is, however, not recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The world body has termed the tournament an “unsanctioned event”, as it does not recognise IHF as the official hockey body in India and instead recognises rival body Hockey India (HI).

FIH and HI have even threatened players taking part in the event of dire consequences. The tournament involved eight city-based franchise teams and carried a total prize fund of $4 million.