Long referred to as the 'erstwhile' Indian Hockey Federation, the body led by former super-cop KPS Gill is all set to take over the reins of the sport once again, as per government guidelines.
On Thursday, it officially merged with the Indian Women's Hockey Federation and announced formal elections in the first week of October.
At loggerheads with Hockey India, the IHF has the backing of the Sports Ministry as the only recognised hockey federation in the country.
The merger is especially vital as it is a pre-requisite to gain international hockey federation (FIH) affiliation.
The FIH, despite government warnings and appeals, continues to recognise only Hockey India and has vehemently opposed the re-emergence of IHF.
"There is no question of giving IHF recognition as the body was formally disbanded by us earlier. We cannot go back on our decisions," FIH vice-president Antonio von Ordaza had earlier said.
IHF now plans to strengthen its efforts to gain recognition. "The merger was amicable and it is official. It strengthens our bid for recognition from FIH and we will again approach necessary bodies to put forth our case," Amrit Bose, Secreatry IWHF told Hindustan Times.
With less than two weeks to go for the Women's World Cup in Roasario, Argentina, questions though still linger over the status of the right federation representing the sport. "A truce, one way or the other, is unlikely before the start of the World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}With less than two weeks to go for the Women's World Cup in Roasario, Argentina, questions though still linger over the status of the right federation representing the sport. "A truce, one way or the other, is unlikely before the start of the World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}FIH refuses to budge from its stance. “Of course, last minute negotiations have become a norm in the sport," said a source in the IHF camp, after the meeting.