Hockey India to hold elections on August 5

Vacating the stay orders of Bombay and Delhi High Courts, the apex court had yesterday allowed the beleaguered HI to hold elections for its executive body but restrained it from implementation of the results. "The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed to send its observer Antonio von Ondarza for the elections to be held at Delhi on Thursday 5th August 2010," an HI statement said.

The elections were adjourned sine die on July 8 following a Delhi High Court ruling. The Delhi High Court had stayed the election process following the failure of the Central government to clarify its legal position regarding HI and the erstwhile KPS Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

The Bombay High Court had also stayed the polls for three weeks on a petition filed by Mumbai Hockey Association. The Delhi High Court had earlier directed the government to dissociate itself from the HI elections as it is a private body and held that the IHF is the sole recognised body for the sport in the country.

It had also asked the government to withdraw its observer appointed to monitor the HI election. The High Court had on May 21 set aside the decision of the government and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to de-recognise the IHF.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had threatened to bar India from participating in international tournaments, including next month's women World Cup in Rosario, Argentina, if elections were not held by today. Former Indian Women's Hockey Federation president and interim HI chief Vidya Stokes and ex-India captain Pargat Singh are contesting for the post of President.