Cong asks Sports ministry to play more proactive role

Congress today asked the Sports ministry to play a more proactive role and engage in dialogue with various hockey federations in the backdrop of the crisis in Indian hockey where the players resorted to strike, threatening the country's preparations for the World Cup.

Congress today asked the Sports ministry to play a more proactive role and engage in dialogue with various hockey federations in the backdrop of the crisis in Indian hockey where the players resorted to strike, threatening the country's preparations for the World Cup.

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"It is the responsibility of the Sports ministry to talk to all the hockey federations and play a more proactive role so that such incidents are not repeated," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters in New Delhi.

Describing it as a "sad controversy" when the Hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games are to be held in the country this year, he expressed satisfaction that the matter has been sorted out.

Tewari said hockey was linked to the emotions of several generations and recalled the past glory of India in the sport, including winning six Olympic golds in a row from 1928 and subsequently another two gold medals and also the World Cup in 1975.

"The Sports ministry should take the issue seriously and talk to the sports federation to ensure that the players do not go on strike," he said.

The spokesman said if India wins medals in the games, it is due to the efforts of the players and "more priority and importance" should be given to them.

Asked about lack of training facilities for players in Delhi as all stadiums are closed for renovation, Tewari said the players were undertaking training in various places like NIS Patiala, Bangalore and other places.