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HI, IHF to meet today for hockey merger talks

Ajay Maken summoned the presidents of Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation for a meeting to resolve their long-standing dispute over recognition.

New Delhi: Sports Minister Ajay Maken summoned the presidents of Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) for a meeting on Saturday to resolve their long-standing dispute over recognition and power-sharing by merging them into one body.
Maken said the Sports Ministry has laid down a proposal to be discussed with both the warring factions in the meeting with a view to merge the two bodies into one. However, Maken also warned the two bodies either sort out their differences or risk government interference and firm action.Hockey has been mired in controversies over the last few years, as there has been a bitter war going on between HI and the de-recognised IHF over the management of sportspersons. "We are going to issue a notice to both HI and IHF to come to my office on Saturday. Along with the notice we are also sending them the proposal to have one federation in the national interest.” "That national federation should consist of equal number of representatives from both sides. That particular federation should decide the coach and the team," Maken had told reporters on Thursday."I am hopeful that both of them will agree to our proposal. If both of them do not agree than the government will take a firm step and interfere and inform the court," Maken had said. PTI