HI and IHF should reach an agreement in presence of FIH: Maken

New Delhi: Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Thursday said that he would like to see the two warring factions -- Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) reach an agreement in the presence of FIH`s top officials, who are currently in the country for the ongoing Olympic qualifiers.

"HI and IHF should best utilise this opportunity to come together because the entire FIH (International Hockey Federation) top brass is in the country at the moment. They should come to a meeting point," said Maken. FIH president Leandro Negre had yesterday said that the world was trying to resolve the long-standing power struggle between HI and the de-recognised IHF. Maken though made it clear that the Ministry was not involved in the ongoing talks among the three bodies. "We (Sports Ministry) are not involved as far as these talks among HI, IHF and FIH is concerned. The decision has to be taken by these three bodies. I feel FIH`s presence is a good opportunity to resolve the issue." Meanwhile, the minister said that he has sought help from FIH to set up a Centre for Excellence of hockey at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here. "I have spoken to Negre and have sought help from the FIH to set up a Centre for Excellence of hockey at the Dhyan Chand Stadium. I have also asked (India men`s hockey team coach) Michael Nobbs to let me know about some good internationally acclaimed people who can help in setting it up," said Maken. Asked about the International Olympic Committee`s stand on Dow Chemicals, which has been retained as a sponsor for the London Olympics inspite of the US company`s role in the horrific 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, Maken said, "It is really unfortunate that Dow is still associated with the London Olympics.” "We would want them to be more considerate. There is time till July and we would again discuss and see how to deal with the matter." Regarding IOC sending yet another letter to the Indian Olympic Association to know what action it has taken on sacked 2010 Commonwealth Games Orgainsing Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Maken said, "The Ministry can only resolve these issues by bringing in the Sports Bill.” "Had Sports Bill been passed, these issues would not have cropped up at the first place. Today neither Kalmadi nor the acting president V K Malhotra would have been there." PTI