Sports Minister MS Gill on Tuesday welcomed the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) decision to disband the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), saying such a step was ‘necessary’ in the given situation.

“The decision regarding the Indian Hockey Federation, taken last evening by the Executive Committee of the IOA, was necessary,” Gill said in a statement. “It was a unanimous decision and in my judgment appropriate in the given situation. I have carefully noted the composition of the new selection committee. I would hope that they work in unison, and for the best interest of the hockey and youth of India,” he added, referring to the new panel comprising former Olympians.

“In my judgment, it will also be necessary to have a compact, well chosen and efficient new administration for the IHF. I am confident the IOA will address this.”

Gill said the Sports Ministry had approved the laying of 12 new astroturfs in the country, a project which will cost Rs 42 crore. Locations for new astroturfs include Singpura (J&K) and tribal pockets like Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Hazaribagh (Jharkhand) and Kokrajhar (Assam).