Sports Ministry recognises former top cop-led Indian Hockey Federation as sole governing body of the national sport; asks world body to follow suit
Sports Ministry recognises former top cop-led Indian Hockey Federation as sole governing body of the national sport; asks world body to follow suit
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| Back at the Helm: Indian Hockey Federation chief KPS Gill |
The ministry dashed off a letter to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre, intimating him of the development.
"Government has de-recognised Hockey India by a speaking order on August 5, 2010, a copy of which has been endorsed to you. As such, HI is no more the recognised National Sport Federation (NSF) for management, control and promotion of hockey in the country, and is also not authorised to select and field the national team in international competitions.
"In view of this development, the IHF stands recognised by the government as the sole NSF in India in the light of the judgement dated 21.05.2010 of the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in a writ petition, which has also been accepted by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as well as the HI before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi..." the ministry letter said.
"You are requested not to assign any international tournament or have any commercial dealings with HI under the impression that they are the NSF for hockey in India because they no longer enjoy government recognition and have assumed the character of a private body," it added.
The sports ministry said till the time IHF completes the formalities of merging with Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF), the Indian Olympic Association or the Sports Authority of India be allowed to field the Indian team for international events.
Gill welcomed government's decision, saying it was a positive step.
"I welcome the government's decision. It is a positive step for rebuilding the hockey structure and the team," Gill said.
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