10 May,2011 07:54 AM IST | | Ashwin Ferro
Mumbai's hockey fraternity has slammed the Indian Hockey Federation's decision of deeming the All-India Aga Khan tournament (May 15-21) to be played at the Bombay Gymkhana, as 'unauthorised'.
IHF secretary general Ashok Mathur yesterday informed tournament organisers, Bombay Gym that since they were conducting the tournament under the auspices of Hockey India 'a body that has been derecognised by the Govt of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,' and not under IHF which is the 'the sole governing body for the game in India Delhi High Court judgement', they are 'constrained to declare the tournament as unauthorised and instruct all units and associate members not to participate in it.'
Former India skipper and four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay was shocked at the development. "It's a shame that IHF are doing this. It's been over a year now that Mumbai has not witnessed an all-India senior tournament. I was very happy when Viren (Rasquinha, former India skipper) informed me that the Aga Khan Cup is being revived. Not just this tournament but I think hockey as a whole is suffering due to the impending power struggle between HI and IHF," Pillay told MiD DAY.
Rasquinha was upset too. "I don't understand why any body should be against any tournament so long as it is promoting the sport. This (move by IHF) is unfortunate," he said.
Olympian MM Somaya was equally stunned to learn of IHF's directive. "I'm in support of anything good that can come about for India hockey and the Aga Khan Cup in Mumbai is a great move. I cannot understand why anyone can have anything against a tournament like this. I extend my wholehearted support to the tourney," said Somaya.
A representative of the Bombay Gym however said that the tournament will go on 'come what may'. "We are doing nothing wrong. We are a private club and are dealing with HI, who are recognised by FIH, hockey's world governing body," said the representative. Details of the tournament will be announced at a press
conference today.
