The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) is in talks with the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation (IWHF) for a merger to satisfy the requirements set by the world body. Both bodies have met to work out the modalities of the unification.
The Union sports ministry has asked the KPS Gill- led body to inform it about its plans to form a unified governing body for hockey so that they regain recognition from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“We are having joint meetings with IWHF and both bodies have also held separate meetings over the matter,” Gill said.
When asked specifically whether he was willing to form a unified body with IWHF, Gill replied: “ Of course.” The sports ministry, in its notice on Monday, had said: “ You are called upon to explain within 14 days how you propose to meet the requirements of FIH of having a unified body for both men and women at the national level so as to comply with the constitutional requirement of FIH and to obtain their membership and be able to discharge all the responsibilities of a recognised NSF (national sports federation), including representing India in international competition recognised by FIH.” The letter adds that the IHF should mention whether it is ready to abide by the government guidelines issued on May 1 which stipulate age and tenure restrictions on office- bearers of NSFs.
“ We have no problem with the guidelines,” Gill, who has made it clear that he will not stand for any post in the next IHF elections, said.
“ The government has given us two weeks’ time to give a reply and we will surely respond within that period,” he added.
When contacted, IWHF secretary Amrit Bose said the merger process was “ definitely” on.
“ We have had three meetings on this matter and a lot of progress has been made,” Bose said. “ There are no problems between the two bodies and the modalities are being worked out. We will have our final meeting soon and will then jointly announce our merger,” she said.
The sports ministry, peeved over the fact that Hockey India did not abide by its age guidelines and allowed 82- year- old Vidya Stokes to stand for the post of president, has also shot off a notice asking HI why its recognition should not be terminated.
The Delhi High Court had also termed HI a private body and instructed the government to withdraw its observer for its elections.
“ You are hereby called upon to explain before the date of holding the elections (August 5) as to why the recognition granted to HI shall not be withdrawn with immediate effect,” joint secretary (sports) Injeti Srinivas said in the notice.
“ Failure to furnish a satisfactory reply within the time limit will automatically result in withdrawal of recognition to HI as an NSF (national sports federation) for hockey in India,” he added.
HI secretary general Narinder Batra said the whole issue was “ complicated”. “ A lot of matters are sub- judice and I won’t like to comment on them,” he said. “ We will definitely reply to the sports ministry notice within the stipulated time, but I can’t give any details.”
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