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Hockey India elections to miss Nov 18 deadline

New Delhi: Hockey India's reluctance to affiliate some of the state associations has forced the Sports Ministry to delay the elections and it also cited reasons that it was not fully convinced about the transparency within the body. Hockey India (HI) was scheduled to hold its elections on November 18 as demanded by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). But the Sports Ministry was not convinced that the HI would be able to hold the elections in a fair manner so it has sought more time before it gives a go ahead to the much awaited elections.

''We received a letter from Hockey India that it wants to hold elections on November 18 but we conveyed our concerns to them, basically with the transparency to hold the elections at this point of time,'' a top offical in the Sports Ministry said. He also said there were a few state associations who have been refused affiliation by the HI and that too was one of the reasons why the Sports Ministry decided to postpone the elections.

''We are not in direct touch with the state associations but yes, we do get regular feedbacks from the IOA and the FIH representative, who have informed us about the current state,'' he added. It has been learnt that while most of the state associations are ready for the elections, some including West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Delhi have been excluded from the list of affiliated parties.

The JB Roy-led faction meanwhile, has welcomed the move and said although the postponement of elections would delay the proceedings, it would ensure transparency in the members who get elected.

''We are pleased with the decision and it will ensure transparency in the slections,'' said a member of the Bengal Hockey Association. Earlier this year, the FIH had directed the IOA to hold elections with both men's and women's body under one umbrella failing which it India could be stripped off its hosting rights of the World Cup next year.