The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : IHF assures FIH of a positive response

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Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007
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IHF assures FIH of a positive response

Hockey Correspondent

Chennai: The Indian Hockey Federation has assured the FIH of positively responding to the measures suggested in Bob Davidzon's report to revamp the sport in India.

More than once, the FIH President, Els van Breda Vriessman, had reminded the administrators to react to the report prepared with a view to prioritising the progress of hockey in India.

The FIH voiced its concern at the diminishing stature of Indian hockey during the last World Cup and nominated veteran umpire and marketing committee member Bob Davidzon to prepare a blueprint to restructure the game in India.

Assuring that India is on the right track in taking action over the report, Mr. K. Jothikumaran, Secretary, IHF, has written to the FIH President and Bob Davidzon on the discussion that took place on February 3 during the Premier Hockey League here.

Action plan

Outlining the nature of the debate as important among the presidents of the various other associations who participated in the meeting here, the Secretary said: "Please be assured that we are on the right track in spite of our hectic schedule. As informed earlier, a team of officials deliberated on the report, followed by a meeting on February 3.

In the meeting one of our constituents, Tamil Nadu Hockey Association submitted a draft preliminary action plan which incorporates a number of your suggestions within the framework of the existing National structure."

Financial implications

Touching upon the financial implications in meeting some of the targets set, the IHF has informed that further discussion on the subject would come off during the National Games at Guwahati and during the second part of the PHL in Chandigarh.

While indicating the possibility of convening a general-body meeting to approve the action plan, the IHF has underlined the fact that "A vast, democratic nation as ours will need reasonable time for a consensus."

Bob Davidzon is likely to visit Chandigarh during the second leg of the PHL.

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