The International Hockey Federation (FIH) may be finally coming around to recognising the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) after the KPS Gill - led body received government backing. The sports ministry has informed FIH that it has derecognised Hockey India (HI), which is currently supported by the world body.
In fact, FIH vice- president Antonio von Ondarza was in the Capital as observer for the HI elections on Thursday which pitted 82 year old Vidya Stokes against former national captain Pargat Singh.
When asked about FIH’s stand after the latest government decision, the world body indicated that India had to deal with the issue itself. “ As this is an internal affair, the FIH will not comment on this,” FIH communications manager Arjen Meijer said in reply to an e-mail on Saturday.
This reaction seems a bit strange as Ondarza himself has backed HI openly, even though many of the contestants had severe misgivings about the election process.
The FIH vice- president had even said that the world body fully backed HI and IHF did not exist for them.
Meijer indicated that whichever body satisfied the world body’s conditions will be considered the national federation.
“ However, only a national hockey association that is in confirmation with the FIH statutes can be recognised as official national body for hockey in its country.” It means that once IHF and the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation merge, and if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) grants them affiliation, they could be in line for FIH recognition.
The unification progress is well under way and several meetings have already taken place. “ We only need to tie up the loose ends and finalise a detailed programme about our constitution,” KPS Gill said. Elections of the merged body will take place after that, but Gill said he has no preference regarding his successor. He has made it clear that he will not contest again.
“I can’t say who will contest. Even those now associated with Hockey India are welcome to come back.” Gill said he would not mind if the former defender contests for the post of IHF president.
“Not at all, but I cannot pick and choose. Anyone who adheres to the government guidelines is welcome.” IWHF secretary Amrit Bose also has no objection to Pargat coming over.
“It’s for the general house to decide who it wants to induct. But all hockey players and hockey lovers are welcome,” Bose said.
Pargat is holding his horses for now.
“KPS Gill has said he is willing to talk with anybody, so we will have to think.
“I’m not running after any post. Let’s see how things take shape. But what use is any federation if it can’t send national teams for international events?” he quipped.
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