Recognition to only that body which meets our statutes: FIH

New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI) With the turmoil in Indian hockey
showing no signs of relenting, the International Hockey
Federation (FIH) on Saturday made it clear that it will only
recognise the national federation which abides by the world
body's guidelines.
The Sports Ministry shot off a letter to FIH on Friday
stating that it has given recognition to KPS Gill-led Indian
Hockey Federation as the sole National Sports Federation to
run the sport in the country.
In its letter, the ministry also intimated the world body
of its decision to derecognise Hockey India, which completed
its much-postponed and controversial elections on Thursday
under the watchful eyes of FIH Vice-President Antonio von
Ondarza, who was the observer for the poll process.
Asked about game's governing body's future course of
action on the matter, FIH Communications Manager Arjen Meijer
said, "As this is an internal Indian affair, the FIH will not
comment on this."
"However, only a national hockey association that is in
confirmation with the FIH statutes can be recognised as
official national body for hockey in its country," the FIH
official told PTI.
The Ministry had Friday gave official status to IHF,
two years after it was de-recognised by the Indian Olympic
Association under controversial circumstances.
The Ministry also informed the FIH that IHF was in the
process of unification with Indian Women's Hockey Federation
and post-merger it would apply for affiliation to the
international body.
The Ministry's move came after the Delhi High Court had
last month lifted the suspension on IHF.
However, after the completion of HI elections, Ondarza
made it clear that no government can infringe upon the
autonomy of the Olympic Charter.
He also said that there was no question of recognising
IHF as FIH disaffiliated it way back in 2000. PTI