Hockey India to give annual grant to its affiliates

Hockey India has decided to give an annual grant of Rs5 lakh to all its state associations in order to help them develop the sport at the grass roots level. The decision was made during the governing body’s executive committee meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.

This is the first time in the history of Indian hockey that grants will be allotted to state associations. The funds will be used to organise senior, junior, sub-junior level tournaments and also school-level tournaments in order to attract more youngsters.

“This grant will encourage more youngsters to take to the game,” said HI secretary general Narendra Batra.

It was also decided to give financial support to a pool of 33 junior men and 33 junior women players. HI will give each player Rs1,20,000 per annum, which is equal to Rs 10,000 per month, payable every quarter. The short-listing of the players, from the current 48 to 33, will be done in early June and the payments will start from the July-September quarter.

The decision regarding annual retainership fee for senior men and women players will be made shortly. The board has authorised Batra to finalise it. Meanwhile, HI director general Anupam Ghulati has resigned from the post. Sources said he quit HI for better prospects.