Indian Hockey Coach Michael Nobbs too adopts hard-line over World Series Hockey
The controversy brewing over the $2 million worth World Series Hockey (WSH) seems it will not die down in the near future. In a recent move, Indian Hockey Coach, Michael Nobbs, asked the players to either play for India or join the rebel league, hammering
the final nail in the fate of the players who have joined the WSH or are thinking of doing so.
The Australian-based trainer stated in clear words that players who participate in the cash-rich league will not be considered for the national squad.
Working on the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) in affiliation with Nimbus Sports launched the money-making event.
However, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) declared it unofficial, cautioning the players to keep distance from it.
The IHF is currently locked in a legal confrontation with the FIH-recognised Hockey India (HI) that is running the sport’s affairs in India. The IHF was derecognised by the world’s body on corruption charges, back in 2008.
A few days ago, the FIH released a fresh warning advising the players not to partake in the WSH. It also stated that the players, who play the unsanctioned event, will be banned from international tournaments.
Hockey India seconding the stance of the international unit passed on the warning to the players and similarly, Michael Nobbs did so too.
Nobbs underscored, “I will personally make sure that the players are axed from the pre-Olympic camp and the national squad. There is no place for players who aren’t as determined as I am to see India qualify for the Olympics”.
Terming the league for retired players, he anticipated that no top player will play in the WSH. Quoting the name of Dhanraj Pillay, the national trainer opined that none of the top hockey pros will don colours for the money-spinning league except the retired
veterans.
He also informed the players that the federation will not leave those who lose the handsome amounts unaided.
The FIH, in a joint venture with Hockey India, will organise a comparable event at the earliest, he continued. He advised the national players to stay patient. Resultantly, they will be rewarded in return.
His hard-line statement appeared on the day when the rebel league revealed the names of the players who have inked contracts with the WSH. Excluding the junior team, almost every member of the current national squad was included in the list.
Meanwhile, Hockey India asked the affiliated bodies not to issue the No Objection Certificates (NOC) to their players for participating in the lucrative league.
It is worth highlighting here that the players will have to submit NOCs before the World Series Hockey participate in the mega event and to earn the handsome amounts.
Surely, the players are entrapped in a confusing situation, and their decisions will determine their fate for the future games.
Tags: