Hockey India claims victory in longstanding dispute over the management of Indian hockey

The Indian Government has officially recognised governing body Hockey India (HI) as the sole body responsible for the promotion of the sport in the country, in a move that looks set to end years of instability in the governance of hockey in one of its key markets.

HI was derecognised by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2012 for not adhering to government guidelines amid internal disputes and mismanagement. This led to a battle for power with rival organisation the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

However, HI announced this week that the Ministry has recognised it as the sole body responsible for the promotion of hockey in the national and international arenas.

Hockey India Secretary General Dr. Narinder Batra stated "our endeavour will always be to make hockey the number one sport in the country and we aim motivate the Indian team to achieve feats which Indians will remember and talk about when the history of hockey is being discussed.

"We will continue our effort in that direction till the time we do not achieve what we set out to do (and) I earnestly thank the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for recognising the efforts that we have been putting in the last few years and giving us the recognition that we deserve."

Despite the longstanding conflict, HI has retained the status of the officially recognised body of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation.

Since 2012, Hockey India and the FIH have organised major tournaments like the Olympic Qualifiers, World League Round 2, Junior Men's World Cup and the World League Round Final, while HI has also staged two editions of its new Hockey India League concept.

Looking forward, HI has also secured this year's Champions Trophy, the Men's World League Final in 2015, Junior Men's World Cup in 2016 and the Senior Men's World Cup in 2018.

In a letter addressed to Dr Batra, Indian Government Under Secretary A.K. Patro wrote "the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India recognises the importance of the sport of hockey in India, its popularity among the masses and medal prospects of India in various international events.

"Keeping these factors in view, the Ministry realises the need to quickly resolve the long-pending issue of granting recognition to a federation as NSF (National Sports Federation) for the sport of hockey."

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