Govt withdraws recognition to Hockey India

In a surprising development,the Sports Ministry has withdrawn its provisional recognition of Hockey India as a national sports federation (NSF) for the sport in the country. In a statement,the ministry said Hockey India had not only violated the government guidelines on holding its elections but also clamed that it was private body not under the government’s jurisdiction.

“HI has derived its entire authority only after Government gave clearance to them for using the name of ‘Hockey India’ and to register themselves as an NSF to direct,control and regulate the sport of Hockey in India. Further,HI duly accepted the conditions attached to that recognition and also sought the clearance of the Government for holding their elections. But their subsequent refusal to abide by the Government guidelines has made them liable for derecognition,” the ministry statement said.

Adding that HI’s contentions before the courts has already proved that it was not seeking government recognition or assistance,the ministry statement said there was no way HI could continue as a national body. “In the light of the abovementioned developments,and taking into account the 21.05.2010 Judgement of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi,and the violation of Government guidelines by HI as well as open declaration by them that they are a Private Body beyond Writ jurisdiction and the Government’s regulatory powers,Government hereby withdraws with immediate effect the provisional recognition granted to ‘Hockey India’” it added.

Meanwhile,hours after getting elected as joint secretary of Hockey India,Ramesh Nambiar resigned from the post today,following controversy over his eligibility to contest the elections.