Indian field hockey team at risk of losing spot in London Olympics
India has recently received a warning from the governing body of the world field hockey that there is a chance the country could miss the London 2012 Olympics because of an ongoing dispute in India about the governing body in the country.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) was made it quite clear that if the issue is not resolved, India would not be taking part in the Olympic Games next year even if it clears the qualification phases. The FIH has also expressed its dissatisfaction
over the proposal of the Sports Ministry of India that Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation be allowed to run the sports in the country together.
The president of the FIH, Leandro Negre, shared his thoughts with the Indian sports ministry in a letter that said that the FIH only recognizes the HI as the organisation responsible for the sport in India and could only allow teams to enter the international
sporting events through that medium only.
Furthermore, the FIH specifically suggested to the Indian government that the partnership between the two rival bodies will not be healthy for the sport of hockey in India.
"If the above is achieved... There will be no more concerns about the participation of Indian hockey team in FIH-sanctioned competitions such as London 2012 Olympic Games," Negre wrote.
Other than this issue, Negre also raised the subject of money, which the Indian government owes to the FIH. The money was borrowed by the Indian government for the purpose of organising the World Cup that was held in India last year. New Delhi played host
to the participating teams in March for the World Cup.
The Indian government is working on the issue in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties involved. According to Rahul Bhatnagar, an official from the Indian sports ministry, there will be a meeting between the Indian Olympic Association
as well as the hockey officials. They will decide on the appropriate reply to be given to the FIH.
The Indian hockey team is currently preparing for a qualifying event for the London 2012 Games.
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