Madikeri: In the backdrop of confusion prevailing in the hockey field in the district over affiliations of hockey units, Dr A B Subbaiah, former Olympian, Arjuna awardee and current secretary of Hockey Karnataka, addressed a media meet here.
He stressed that in matters of hockey, Hockey Kodagu was the accredited organization and cautioned that players taking part in other tournaments might have to face disciplinary action.
Pointing out that this was not his personal decision, but the policy of Hockey India, which was the only official ruling body for hockey in India. Players, referees, trainers and other officials registered with Hockey India were not permitted to take part in any tournaments which were not recognized by Hockey India, Hockey Karnataka or Hockey Kodagu. In case of any violations, Hockey India had the authority to take disciplinary action against them, he added.
Referring to a meeting of hockey enthusiasts held in Ammatti last week, Subbaiah said that facts had been held back and a wrong message had been sent, which had resulted in further confusion. There were hockey units in 27 districts in the state. All of them, except in Kodagu, had been functioning well. The problem was only in Kodagu. He appealed to the hockey players in Kodagu to know the facts and put the right foot ahead.
He brought to notice that at the national level, a litigation between Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Hockey India (HI). The Kodagu Hockey Association has said that it would wait until the court judgement would be pronounced, he added.
Subbaiah clarified that the issue involved in the said litigation was only that at the point of withdrawing recognition to IHF and giving the official status to Hockey India, the Indian Olympic Association had not given the IHF a chance to present its side of the story. The contention was limited to only this point. Other than that, there was no other issue involved nor any other litigation going on in any court.
Hockey Kodagu functionaries Partha Chengappa, Palanganda Lavakumar, Kallichanda Prasad, Mullera P Subbaiah and others were present at the media meet.