Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) Hockey India (HI) said Monday it will hold its elections in July but did not confirm the date.
The decision was ratified at the special general meeting of HI Monday.

“The meeting was chaired by HI president Vidya Stokes and was attended by 29 member units from the state and union territories in addition to the four government instituation sports bodies –Railways, Services, Universities and Air India,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said in a statement.

“A total of 70 representatives from 29 member units which included 30 women were present in the meeting,” he said.

HI ratified the affiliations of 33 units which included the four institutional boards.

“The house unanimously decided to conduct the elections for the office-bearers in July,” Batra said.

“Ratification of affiliation was also granted to the states of Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, subject to the decision of their pending court cases,” Batra said.

He also said the national championships for both men and women would be held December 2010-February 2011 and the sub-junior nationals will be scheduled before that.

Sports ministry observer S.P.S. Tomar also attended the meeting. The ministry had asked HI to put the elections on hold in view of the Delhi High Court judgement quashing the suspension of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

The running of the national sport has been embroiled in utter confusion and controversy.

HI had thrice failed to meet its election deadline and the International Hockey Federation (IHF) has voiced unhappiness over the matter. The merger and affiliation process has been mired in controversy and it led to the ministry submitting in court that it would not deal with the ad hoc body.

Also, after the Delhi High Court lifted the suspension on IHF imposed by Indian Olympic Association, the K.P.S Gill-led federation has become active and held its special general assmebly meeting June 6.