Sport Minister gives merger ultimatum to Indian hockey bodies

Indian Sports Minister Ajay Maken has given rival bodies Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) an ultimatum to agree to a merger or face sanctions from the Government.

The warring parties recently met with Minister Maken in Delhi in an effort to resolve a long-standing dispute.

The Delhi High Court has deemed the IHF to be the sole governing body for the sport in the country, but HI's appeal to the apex court led to suggestions that the icy relationship could be improved through dialogue.

Minister Maken told Indian media "we have given a balanced proposal to HI and IHF with equal importance to both the federations (and asked them) to send their responses in writing.

"We have also told them that instead of two replies, we will greatly appreciate it if they can send only one. We are hopeful that the two bodies will come together, now that we have given them equal importance to both the bodies."

Maken also warned that "if they don't agree, we will take action and also inform the Supreme Court."

Minister Maken, who has been a key figure in attempting to clean up the scandal surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, did not clarify what action the Government would take if the unification falls through.

26th June 2009 - INDIA CONFIRMED AS 2010 HOCKEY WORLD CUP HOSTS