Days after men's team problems are sorted out, three state govts step in to promise funds to resolve women's team row
Days after men's team problems are sorted out, three state govts step in to promise funds to resolve women's team rowChief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Haryana yesterday pledged Rs 1 crore each while the Assam chief minister Rs 50 lakh for the welfare of the national hockey players.
Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had promised help to the agitating women's team in Bhopal over non-payment of dues by Hockey India, met union Sports Minister MS Gill during his visit here and promised Rs 1 crore for the players.
Later, Gill spoke to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, requesting them to chip in with contributions for the men's and women's hockey players.
"Haryana chief minister gave Rs 1 crore while Assam chief minister gave Rs 50 lakh. Rajasthan's respone is awaited," a statement from the sports ministry said.
Chouhan yesterday said his government will give Rs 1 crore to the national women's hockey team.
"I spoke to the sports minister and told him that we want to provide financial assistance to Hockey India. We are ready to give Rs 1 crore for the women's team. We are awaiting the minister's response as to in whose name the cheque should be prepared," Chouhan said.
Gill said the money will be distributed to the women's team.
"I am very happy that the Madhya Pradesh government has come forward to help the women's team," Gill said.
"I have also spoken to Dipika Murthy (goalkeeper) and asked her to prepare a list of the players who have not got their dues," he added.
Taking a cue from their male counterparts, members of Indian women hockey squad had demanded Rs 3 lakh each as incentive for their performance last year. They Thursday rejected the Hockey India (HI) offer of Rs 50,000 each.
Around 40 core group players for the Commonwealth Games are camping in Bhopal.
Meanwhile, HI has also came forward to help the women's team.
HI steps in"They will be paid at par with the men," HI interim president Vidya Stokes said in a statement.
Stokes also said that HI will look into the matter of giving annual contracts to the women players as was promised to the men's team.u00a0
