Indian hockey in dire straits
The game of Hockey in India is currently facing severe problems. The coaching crisis of the national team has not been resolved so far while on the other hand, situation between Indian Hockey Federation, Hockey India and the Ministry of Sports is exacerbating
day-by-day.
Such an awful situation is quite harmful for the sport itself in the country when the national squad has not won any major tournament since ages.
The Indian Hockey Federation has issues with the Ministry of Sports regarding recognition as a sports body while at the same time, situation is becoming severe once again between the Hockey India and the IHF over the upcoming hockey league.
The IHF in a joint venture with a leading sports channel has decided to launch a domestic hockey league on the lines of the Premier Hockey League to add a munificent touch to the sport similar to cricket. The PHL was the first significant hockey tournament,
which attracted people across the country from 2005 to 2008, but failed to hold its shine for a long time due to administrative reasons.
Secretary General of Hockey India, Narinder Batra talking to the media said that they are not against any hockey league, which would financially assist the player. But at the same time, he stated the event as a ‘rebel league.’ He admonished the national
players to stay away from the IHF league. He clearly warned that those players who join IHF’s domestic event, would not be part of the national squad.
Batra in a cautious statement said, “A packed 2011 calendar that includes preparations for the all-important Olympic qualifiers in February 2012 means there will be too many important series. I don’t see how national team players can be part of the new league.
And if they do, we won’t be left with any other option but to look for new players.”
The performance level of the Indian hockey team is going downward with every passing day due to personal clashes among the concerned authorities including Hockey India, Indian Hockey Federation, Ministry of the Sports and Sports Authority of India.
The Indian hockey team, which managed a bronze medal in the recently concluded Asiad, would have to win the qualifiers for reaching the London Games. Such domestic events are very helpful for team’s players to prepare themselves for the upcoming mega events.
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