Merger fine but retain our name: IHF

With the one-week deadline sought by the IHF getting over on Tuesday,the formation of one governing body for hockey in the country has been agreed to,in principle,although the IHF has raised certain objections to the proposed merger plan.

Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president RK Shetty said that while he was positive about the talks,they have given their detailed response to the Sports Ministry. The minister wants a resolution within four weeks. He has been very pro-active in the entire issue,which is a good thing,but it has to be a mutual understanding and we have agreed in principle for a merger, he said.

Shetty added that their main objection was to the naming of the federation. I dont think anyone has stipulated what name a national federation should have as long as it satisfies the criteria. IHF has been in existence for almost 80 years,it was the first non-European country to become a member of FIH. The name must be retained.

Though he met ministry officials on Tuesday,a proposed meeting with HI could not materialise. We will sit together later. Both parties are fed up of court cases and want this to end for once and all, he said.