FIH President Leandro Negre
The FIH has pulled out the hockey Champions Trophy from New Delhi scheduled from December 3.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the FIH said that the decision stemmed from the “ongoing problems related to the governance of hockey in the country.”
The FIH is looking for an alternative venue. However, India has been invited to participate in the Champions Challenge to be held in South Africa in November.
“We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India,” said FIH President Leandro Negre. “It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to maintain the integrity of our sport.”
At issue is the governance structure of the sport in India. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH Statutes that there be only one governing body for any one sport in any country with exclusive authority and responsibility to govern, organise national competitions and to enter national teams in international competitions.
Dr. Michael Green, two-time Olympian and Chairman of the FIH Athlete's Committee, added: “The first priority has to be the athletes, and while this was a tough decision for the FIH to make, I feel that they have ultimately made the choice that is best for the athletes involved.”
The FIH is in the final stages of reviewing bids from other nations that are willing and able within the scheduled timeframe to host an event of the magnitude of the Champions Trophy.
The FIH will continue to monitor the governance structure in India and hopes that a resolution can be found before it begins to affect future events set to be held in India.
The next event scheduled to be hosted in India is the Olympic qualification tournament in February.
Newspaper: The Hindu
