Govt gives NSF status to Hockey India

Hockey India's (HI) bid to be the sole body of governance for the national sport in the country, has got a shot in the arm after the Government of India recently accorded it the status of a National Sports Federation (NSF).

HI, which was derecognised by the Union Sports Ministry in 2012 for not adhering to government guidelines, internal disputes and mismanagement, have finally been recognised as the sole body for the promotion of hockey in the country by the government.

In a letter addressed to HI secretary general Narinder Batra, dated February 28, Under Secretary to the Government of India, A K Patro said that HI will be the sole body responsible for running the game of hockey in the country.

"The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India recognises the importance of the sport of hockey in India, its popularity among the masses and medal prospects of India in various international events. Keeping these factors in view, the Ministry realises the need to quickly resolve the long-pending issue of granting recognition to a federation as NSF for the sport of hockey," the letter read.

"After a careful and detailed examination of the documents on record and keeping in view all the relevant factors, Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reached the conclusion that 'Hockey India' may be given recognition as the National Sports Federation for governing the sport of hockey (both men and women) in India," it said.

"Accordingly, Hockey India is made responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, control, regulation, promotion and development of the sport discipline, i.e. hockey," the letter added.

The letter further said that in order to get assistance and continued recognition from the Sports Ministry, HI will have to follow the guidelines of the government and the National Sports Development Code of India.