Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) More than 50 men’s and women’s state hockey units would attend Saturday’s meeting at Aamby Valley in Maharashtra to deliberate on the situation arising out of the setting up of Hockey India (HI) as the apex body for the sport, Bengal Hockey Association (BHA) president J.B Roy says.
“The office bearers of these associations would deliberate at length on how to cope with the unpleasant scenario that has arisen because of the blatant and undemocratic move by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to set up Hockey India,” a BHA statement quoted Roy as saying.

IOA formed Hockey India after International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) issued a 15-day deadline to form a unified national body, merging the men’s and women’s units.

FIH has now given Hockey India six months to hold free and fair elections.

Roy and dissolved Indian Women’s Hockey Association secretary Amrit Bose have opposed the formation of Hockey India without holding elections.

“We are not against the basic concept of ‘Hockey India’ but we have serious doubts that it would serve any purpose because of the undemocratic manner in which it was set-up by IOA. The game needs revival and it would be possible if all right thinking experts get together and conduct their business in the most transparent and democratic manner,” Roy said.

“It is important to engage duly elected associations to draw the new vision for hockey,” he added.

As many as 28 men and 26 women state hockey units would be present in the meeting, the statement added.

“The dialogue to revive hockey is a great opportunity for those truly concerned about the future of the game. The dialogue is a rare opportunity given the sincerity with which it is being conducted,” Bose said.