Gill’s IHF meeting illegal: Kalmadi

Despite losing his authority in the IHF after being suspended, Gill continues to proclaim his presidency. The latest is his decision to call a meeting of the “IHF executive committee” at his residence on Friday.

Interestingly, this is the first time the “executive committee” met since the 2005 AGM in Kolkata. For long, Gill had ignored calls of accountability, refusing to call a meeting of either the executive committee or the office bearers.

The Friday meeting, despite being called “illegal” by Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, is set to be an interesting affair with several of the executive committee members non-committal on appearing.

“We have also received a letter from the IOA asking us not to attend the meeting. I have a duty to protect the interest of my association, and in any case, with the IHF suspended, the executive committee and all other committees of the IHF automatically stand nullified,” he said.

Krishnamurthy also questioned the agenda of the meeting, saying he has not received any papers regarding the 2006-07 accounts and minutes of the AGM, which will be up for ratification.

“How can I simply get it at that moment and pass it,” he asked. At least four other members, though refusing to come on record, have decided to stay away.

Sources also said that Gill was considering taking legal recourse against the suspension order by IOA. When contacted, Gill refused to say so but did admit that he could do so after the meeting. “The executive committee has lawyers, administrators, people whose advice I will seek before deciding (on a legal action),” he said.

However, there are some who continue to back Gill. SP Dass of Himachal Pradesh Hockey Association said he would definitely attend the meeting. “The IOA decision will be discussed in the meeting and further course of action will be decided,” he said. Interestingly, Gill himself is the president of the HPHA.