New Delhi: In another twist to the proposed merger of Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), IOA acting President V K Malhotra on Tuesday rejected the new arrangement.
Malhotra said, "Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation agreement is exercise in confusion and futility, so it is difficult to continue with the merger."
IOA said, "Accepting two federations for one sport will open Pandora's box."
Lashing out at the Sports Ministry, the president said the agreement was a blatant act enforced by Sports Minister Ajay Maken as he wanted to earn some brownie points.
"In his bid to be seen as a minister in action, he has become minister in distortion," Malhotra said.
Insisting that the agreement, instead of uniting the warring factions, would give ideas to disgruntled elements in other sports federations, Malhotra said this arrangement strengthens IOA's stand that government should not interfere in the affairs of sports bodies.
Earlier on Monday, adhering to the Sports Ministry's proposal, Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation agreed to merge as one body. The decision was taken after a meeting held between the two parties at the Ministry's headquarters here.
But IOA's reluctance has put further doubt on the merger becoming a reality. This will also put the cloud back on the million-dollar World Series Hockey.
(With agencies inputs)
Comments
0 comment