Sports ministry, FIH on collision course

Aug 10, 2010 |

Correspondent

New Delhi, Aug. 9: The war of words between the sports ministry and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on the status of Hockey India intensified on Monday, with the former once again making it clear that HI was a private body, without the requisite national character.

“It may be noted that consequent upon de-recognition of HI, the Registrar of Societies of Delhi has been duly advised to withdraw permission from the society for the use of the name ‘Hockey India’, which conveys the impression of government recognition or patronage. No society can use the name of the Union without the approval of the Union government,” the ministry said in a reply to FIH president Leandro Negre.

The FIH had earlier said that HI remained the sole recognised body to run the sport in the country as it was satisfied with HI’s compliance with its charter.

The ministry reverted saying HI had been de-recognised and hence could not perform their duties in the public realm.

“HI has lost its national character and therefore can not be allowed to select or field the national team anymore.

“We, therefore, once again request FIH to reconsider their decision and allow the IOA or SAI to field the team, pending IHF becoming fully compliant with and gaining the recognition of FIH,” sports ministry joint secretary Injeti Srinivas said in a letter.

Srinivas assured Negre that the Indian Hockey Federation and Indian Women’s Hockey Federation will soon amalgamate into a single society and will be fully compliant with the governing body’s charter.

New rules in hockey
The FIH executive board on Monday made a few changes to the rules of the game which will be implemented from next year.

Among the changes, made after recommendations of the Rules Board, is the total deletion of Rule 9.15 — players must not force an opponent into offending unintentionally — said the FIH in its latest news letter.

“Playing the ball clearly and intentionally into any part of an opponent’s body may be penalised as an attempt to manufacture an offence.

Forcing an opponent to obstruct (often emphasised by running into an opponent or by waving the stick) must also be penalised,” was the interpretation of the deleted rule.

The board also made a few changes in the free hit rule, which was introduced in 2009.

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