Hooper writes to FIH on India’s participation

Commonwealth Games chief executive officer Michael Hooper has written to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre seeking a clarification on the status of India’s participation in the October 3-14 event in New Delhi.

 “All we want to know is what FIH’s current position is on the recognition of India’s main hockey body. We want to know if this controversy will have any impact on Indian hockey team’s participation in the CWG,” Hooper told DNA.

The participation of the Indian women’s team in the women’s World Cup later this month in Rosario, Argentina, is also in jeopardy following constant tussle between the sports ministry and the FIH over the recognition of a national federation. While the ministry is pressing the FIH to recognise Indian Hockey Federation, FIH has pledged its support to Hockey India (HI). Irked, the ministry has stripped HI of its power to select and field a national team.

“We are concerned especially after reading media reports that the Indian women’s team may not be able to take part in the women’s World Cup because of this controversy. So we simply want to know what FIH’s position is vis-a-vis the CWG,” Hooper added.

Asked on what will happen if both sides stick to their positions, resulting in a threat of participation for the Indian teams, Hooper said: “We will not speculate anything until Leandro replies back. Let us wait till then.”