K Jothikumaran, who quit as the IHF general secretary after being shown accepting cash in a television sting operation, on Tuesday claimed that he was innocent and accused the news channel of deliberately distorting his discussions.
“I find that the entire discussions were recorded stealthily, willfully distorted and maliciously edited to show an entirely wrong picture,” Jothikumaran said in a statement.
“This is an attempt of unwarranted character assassination to create media sensation and is highly condemnable,” he said.
Jothikumaran, who had occupied the post since 1994, said he would stay away from the Indian Hockey Federation till his innocence was proved. “I have always maintained high moral standards and have been very transparent in all hockey-related matters.
“However, I prefer to keep away from Indian hockey administration till such time my name is cleared entirely and my innocence is proved. I have full faith in KPS Gill, the president, and the IHF to look into this matter and render justice,” he said.
He, however, insisted that he had no role in team selection in the Indian Hockey Federation and was under the impression that the money given to him was for a six-nation tournament to be organised in India.
“The fact remains that I have never been involved in the selection of national teams, especially for the past one year since I am occupied with the Project Promoting Indian Hockey and preparation for World Cup 2010 Delhi.”
“I strongly condemn the slanderous report carried by the channel and unequivocally refute the allegation contained in this sting operation with obvious malicious intentions,” Jothikumaran said.
“Two persons purportedly representing M/s. Sun Shine Builders and Promoters, Ghaziabad contacted the Indian Hockey Federation offering to sponsor a six-nation tournament in Chandigarh to the tune of Rs 3 crore and understandably, we were keen to examine the offer.
“During the discussions, they confirmed their intention to sponsor the event and offered to pay an advance of Rs 5 lakh towards initial expenditure involved in the organisation of this international tournament.”
Jothikumaran also said he took the reporters to meet with Gill and discuss the modalities of the tournament.