HI, IHF set for merger today

Updated on: 25 July,2011 08:29 AM IST |
Sundari Iyer |

The fight between Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) that seemed endless at one time is finally on the verge of unification

The fight between Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) that seemed endless at one time is finally onu00a0the verge of unification. It is learnt that both associations have reportedly agreed on principle about the merger, expected to be announced today, as proposed by the Sports Ministry.u00a0

The announcement of the World Series Hockey seems to have come in the way of the merger. But the government issued an ultimatum to HI and IHF to merge by July 25, failing which the Sports Ministry would take a decision on its own and inform the Supreme Court about it.

"I will not wait beyond July 25 for the merger. We have called for a meeting with HI and IHF on July 25," Sports Minister Ajay Maken was earlier quoted as saying.

Hockey India's disciplinary panel chairman Pargat Singh also felt that both parties should bury the hatchet and work together.

"I know that there are issues with HI and IHF. In fact, I am saying that HI and IHF should meet and resolve their problems," he told MiD DAY.

"Both the parties ufffd KPS Gill and Kalmadi are wrong. If they are really saying that they want to promote the game then they should forget their differences. Why only HI, even IHF is at fault. So you can't pin-point on one," added Pargat.