Several units of the IHF form a front of sorts and contemplate legal action

Several office bearers of state hockey associations have formed a front of sorts and are even contemplating legal action in a bid to ensure elections of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

"The IHF elections are due in April and we are wondering why there has been no announcement of the same," said JB Roy, President of the Bengal Hockey Association (BHA), who addressed a press briefing here along with some 28 office-bearers of state units.

"The IHF was taken over by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) when the administration was not doing well, but why are they continuing to run the game even after 10 months of taking over? We will present a memorandum to IOA officials as well as the Sports Minister (Dr MS Gill) in the next few days to press for elections," said Roy.

The IOA took over the running of the game last year following a media expose which showed IHF Secretary Jyothikumaran taking bribes for India caps. The IOA's decision was supported by the sports ministry.

IHF President, KPS Gill, later moved the courts challenging the decision of the IOA. "We have taken legal counsel and are hoping to be accepted as a third party in the case," said Roy, who is the younger brother of Sahara group chief Subroto Roy.

"The problem right now is that the IHF is not in touch with any of us and that is not taking the game forward in any way. The matter of a common body (men and women) that we need to form as per instructions of the world body (FIH) can also be sorted out only after we have a men's body that can sit down and discuss things with the women's federation," he said.

A little before the press conference, Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association chief Narinder Batra sent around text messages opposing this move by state associations and even disowning his state unit's secretary, who was present at the event.

"It is surprising that Mr Batra has sent such a message because he was also to be part of this forum. In fact, he even facilitated a discount for this venue," said Roy.

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication