Date:28/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/28/stories/2007092864472400.htm

Sport - Hockey

IOA supports players

NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday supported the arguments made by the hockey players in the wake of chief coach Joaquim Carvalho’s charge that hockey was being given ‘step-motherly treatment’ by the authorities.

In contrast to the stance adopted by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) which was non-committal on Wednesday when Carvalho hit out against State governments for ignoring the Indian team’s Asia Cup triumph, the IOA came out with a statement on Thursday to seek a better deal for hockey and other Olympic sport.

“Hockey is National sport and deserves to be encouraged and supported to regain its pre-eminent position in the world,” the statement signed by IOA President Suresh Kalmadi and Secretary-General Randhir Singh said.

The IOA appealed to corporate houses and State governments to acknowledge and reward the achievements of all Indian sportspersons.