IHF grants one week time to merge with HI

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Richa Sinha

15 June, 2011

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has asked for more time to give its response to the merger with the Hockey India (HI). Sports Minister Ajay Makan said the HI had accepted the government's..

FOR THE future of Indian hockey the two rival hockey federations, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and the Hockey India (HI) merger process came to a standstill on Tuesday, when IHF asked for more time to give its response. Earlier, on Saturday, the sports ministry served IHF and HI a two-day ultimatum to either merge or face stern action.

Sports Minister Ajay Makan said the Hockey India had accepted the governments' 10-point proposal whereas Indian Hockey Federation has requested to grant it one week's time to consult all its state units about the governments' proposal to merge with Hockey India. Sports minister also termed yesterday's development as positive.

Union sports minister Ajay Makan said that the ministry has given seven days time to the Indian Hockey Federation to reply. He also added that the ministry is hopeful for the positive response from the IHF. However, if the IHF reject the government proposal, the government will take some decision.

The sports minister also said that both IHF and HI have been given equal rights in the proposal. Ajay Maken also said that Hockey India is recognised by the FIH and IOA.

In recent years, the Indian national game of hockey is passing through a very bad phase. Indian hockey teams that have won eight Olympic gold medals in past, failed to even qualify for the Beijing Olympics three years ago. In the 2010 Hockey World Cup that was held in New Delhi, India finished eight.