IHF asks for panel to decide affiliation

In the interim, the IHF has suggested that HI, recognised by the FIH, should be given the task of fielding the India team in international tournaments while allowing it the permission to hold all domestic tournaments as well as the proposed World Series Hockey League.

In its June 27 reply to the ministry’s merger proposal, IHF secretary Ashok Mathur has said that to end the controversy ‘the basic problem that needs to be resolved is with regard to recognition and membership of State Units in National Sports Federations (NSF)’.

“First, it is to be decided as to which state unit is the genuine Association which is to be a member of NSF,” the IHF secretary said. “We feel that before proceeding further, a committee of 7 members -- 2 from IHF, 2 from HI, 2 from Sports Ministry should be formed.

These six members of the Committee would then appoint a retired Judge of the Supreme Court as chairman,” the letter from Mathur said.

“The committee would then decide, within a period of six months, the number of State Units to be members of NSF.