Hockey India may have got the recognition from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), but it's task is far from over. For the federation is yet to form the required state units.
The provisional committee that is overseeing the functions of Hockey India is planning to reach out to all the state bodies and get them on board.
"The first step was to form the body and save the opportunity of hosting the World Cup (next year) from being taken away from us," said A.K Mattoo, president in-charge, Hockey India.
"The FIH has been pressurising India to create a unified body (women and men) for the last eight years, but we have been very lazy in our approach. When the ultimatum was reduced to 15 days, such a step had to be taken," he added.
In its letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), dated June 4, the FIH had asked the newly formulated Hockey India to form the state units within six months.
But the task won't be an easy one considering resistance from state units especially the rebel group led by Bengal Hockey Association, president, JB Roy, who claims to have the support of more than 20 state units. "It has to be understood that this is a new body with a fresh constitution. But we have the recognition from FIH. If some state units still want to continue with the IHF, they can gladly do so. But they won't be recognised by Hockey India. The IHF and the IWHF have been disaffiliated but they have not been dissolved," said Mohammad Aslam, secretary general, Hockey India.
{{/usCountry}}But the task won't be an easy one considering resistance from state units especially the rebel group led by Bengal Hockey Association, president, JB Roy, who claims to have the support of more than 20 state units. "It has to be understood that this is a new body with a fresh constitution. But we have the recognition from FIH. If some state units still want to continue with the IHF, they can gladly do so. But they won't be recognised by Hockey India. The IHF and the IWHF have been disaffiliated but they have not been dissolved," said Mohammad Aslam, secretary general, Hockey India.
{{/usCountry}}