(a) whether the state of Indian Hockey and its performance in various National and International events is not satisfactory due to conflicts in the administration of Hockey and the long standing issue of granting recognition to a Federation for the sport of Hockey;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken to resolve the issue along with the outcome thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (c) Madam, the performance of Indian hockey teams has not been satisfactory. As per the International Hockey Federation’s world ranking for 2014 the current ranking of the Indian men’s hockey team is 9th and that of Indian women’s hockey team is 13th. The reasons for poor performance and lower ranking of Indian Hockey teams are mainly due to change of playing surface and frequent changes in rules suited to the European style of hockey which have resulted in change from artistic and skill-based hockey to physical and speed-based hockey. The protracted litigation and dispute between Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Indian Women’s Hockey Federation (IWHF) and the Hockey India (HI) is also one of the reasons for poor performance of Indian hockey teams.
A number of Court Cases have been filed by IHF & HI in Delhi High Court and Supreme Court of India claiming to be the real body to control the game of hockey in the country. On 29.8.2010, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in WP No.270/2010 of SLP(C) 24470/2010 passed an order stating, inter-alia, that Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India will field the men’s and women’s hockey teams in the Commonwealth Games. Subsequently, on 11.3.2011, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has, inter alia, ordered that the arrangements made by the Court by interim order dated August 27, 2010 shall apply in regard to participation of hockey team in future games. It will be open to the Union of India to take appropriate decisions in the matter and place it before the Court. In pursuance to the aforesaid Orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Government took various meetings at different levels with the claimants to reach an agreement. Thereafter, they were asked to submit documents in compliance with the conditions for forming a unified body for men & women, recognition of the international Federation, recognition of Indian Olympic Association, free and fair elections, acceptance of Government guidelines, etc. After careful and detailed examination of the documents on record and keeping in view all the relevant factors, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports granted recognition to ‘Hockey India’ as the NSF for governing the sport of hockey (both men & women) in India. A copy of the order, passed by the Government has been submitted to the Hon’ble Supreme Court.