FIH sends message to govt: No Champions Trophy in India

Maken,meanwhile,was equally shocked at FIH’s knee-jerk reaction but maintained it was important to unite the two factions that was affecting the sport. “The Champions Trophy was allotted to India; we did not bid for it but welcomed it. We now have to work towards hosting other major hockey events and also try and unite the two warring fractions in the larger interest of the game and country,” Maken said.

The sports ministry had replied to the FIH only two weeks back over the matter,clarifying that HI will be the sole official body. “HI is what we recognise as the official body in India as far as dealings with the international federation is concerned. Besides the administrative reasons,there might be some commercial and financial constraints also,” the minister added.

Arm-twisting tactic?

Interestingly,an amount of approximately $500,000 is still pending towards FIH in connection with hosting the 2010 World Cup and the money is yet to be released by the Reserve Bank of India. Sources in the ministry suggest that withdrawing the Champions Trophy is a mere arm-twisting tactic by the FIH to get pending dues cleared. The FIH is yet to name a replacement host for the tournament and a final decision on that will only be taken in a week’s time — incidentally right after Negre-Maken meet to thrash out the issue on September 13.

Maken also indicated that he will hold talks with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA),HI and IHF for their final word on the issue before meeting Negre. On their part,both HI and IHF expressed anger over FIH’s decision. “We are shocked and disappointed. We did not have any hint of this happening. Since Negre is supposed to be coming next week,I don’t know what forced them to take a decision at this juncture,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said.

“If their decision is based on the power-sharing formula between HI and IHF,then it’s really not appropriate. The agreement has not been implemented yet neither we have got a letter in this regard from the ministry. Then what was the hurry,” Batra said.

IHF president RK Shetty said the FIH was aware of the entire negotiations,which makes this decision even more strange. “This is not an agreement between two individuals. This is a formal settlement reached at after negotiations and initiated and approved by the Government of India. It is an internal matter for us,how can FIH decide on it,” he asked.

Shetty further said that the duty of an international federation is to promote and popularise the sport. “By taking it away from India,they are only violating their own responsibilities,” he added.