IHF rapped for lack of transparency

Last week, the sports ministry had summoned the IHF to explain their stance on the Dhanraj Pillay controversy. Though the issue was not relevant to today’s meeting because of the recent developments, the sports ministry’s tough stand certainly surprised everyone. However, after the meeting both Verma and IHF secretary-general K Jothikumaran denied that the selection policy of the IHF was discussed.

But Ashok Kumar confirmed to The Indian Express that ‘‘the IHF was told to adopt a proper selection policy and to organise the national championships regularly. We are satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.’’

Another indication of the ministry’s rebuff was evident when the IHF came up with a list of names in the evening for constituting the new selection committee comprising Gurbux Singh, Surinder Singh Sodhi, BP Govinda and Aslam Sher Khan. Jalaluddin Siddique will, however, continue to be the government observer. Even Jothikumaran admitted that a new selection commiittee was formed but said, ‘‘we will announce it later’’.

In recent times, the IHF selection committee comprised only three members and none of them was a former player though the government guidelines insist on it. So far IHF’s set-up for picking teams had Gill as chairman, IPS officer Prithviraj, who is also a vice president of the IHF and Jothikumaran as convenor.