Date:23/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/23/stories/2008042350400100.htm

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IHF chief must also go: M.S. Gill

Demand follows resignation of Jothikumaran after TV sting operation

New Delhi: K.P.S. Gill, who has headed the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) for the last 15 consecutive years, on Tuesday came under pressure to resign following a television sting operation.

His close aide K. Jothikumaran was shown in the video accepting cash purportedly for selection of a player.

The government came out openly with the suggestion that Mr. Gill should step down to restore faith in the hockey establishment, while several MPs and hockey Olympians also demanded his ouster.

Sports Minister M.S. Gill said the IHF president should “introspect and review” his position as the trust and faith in the fair selection of hockey teams has been shaken after the bribe scandal, which forced Mr. Jothikumaran to resign as secretary-general.

“Since yesterday, I have agonised long over the IHF. It’s recent disaster in Chile is still fresh in every Indian’s mind. Now, trust and faith in fair selection is shaken. I believe in the totality of the situation, the IHF president must also introspect and review his position,” the Minister said in a statement.

“In full consideration of the situation facing Indian hockey and the national need I urge him to consider withdrawing from his current responsibility. It is time to let other Indians make an attempt to lift our hockey,” he said. The bribe scandal came up for discussion in Parliament also.

Members demanded stern steps, including legislation, to bring sports organisations under the government’s watchful eye to weed out corruption. — PTI