Indian Olympic Association call urgent meeting of HI & IHF Oct. 4

New Delhi: Taking a serious note of International Hockey Federation FIH's threat to stop India's participation in London Olympics if issues relating to game's governance in the country were not resolved, Indian Olympic Association IOA has convened an urgent meeting of Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation on October 4. It will discuss issues raised by the FIH in its letter to sports secretary, Sindhusree Khullar and try to find an amicable solution to the satisfaction of all, IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said in a statement on Friday.

"I am quiet hopeful that in interest of the country and the game, the matter will be resolved," he said. In its letter to Indian Sports Ministry, dated September 27, FIH warned that India's participation in next year's London Olympics and other international tournaments may be jeopardized if IOC charter and FIH statutes were not adhered to while resolving issues related to governance of the game in the country. FIH may have taken away hosting rights of this year's Champions Trophy from India because of long-standing power-struggle between HI & IHF, Malhotra was optimistic about India staging Olympic qualifier next year. "My optimism is based on my talks with FIH president Leandro Negre here last month, during which I made IOA's stand very clear on issues raised by him," he said. "IOA is totally committed to IOC charter which clearly states only one association for one sports. I told Mr Negre in no uncertain terms that we do not approve of two federations for one game, be it hockey or any other discipline," he added. IOA president, however, expressed surprise over FIH's dependency on the government in resolving the dispute.

"IOC charter, by which FIH also swears, clearly states that government should not intervene in dispute of a federation where NOC is looking into it. IOA ! is keenl y monitoring developments relating to hockey and recognizes HI as sole body for the game, so why FIH wants to involve the government?" Malhotra questioned. "IOA is supreme sports body in the country and all national federations and associations function under it. No body can function without its approval and recognition so FIH's fetish to insist on government intervention, which clearly goes against IOC charter is surprising," he added. FIH letter, signed by President Leandro Negre, mentions seven issues, including payment India owe to FIH with regard to hosting of 2010 World Cup. It said that all lawsuits relating to the governance of hockey "must be finally resolved and terminated." FIH also insisted the government recognize HI as sole governing body of the sport in India and not support any other unsanctioned organization. Malhotra said judiciary is very independent in India and no body dare dictate it. He reminded FIH that India remains heart and soul of hockey. "It is just not conceivable to see hockey progress in the world, without India."