Hockey India, franchises mull change in HIL governance structure

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The tussle within Hockey India shows no sign of resolving any time soon.

Even as some of the top brass of the federation was present in Chandigarh for the formal announcement of the men’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) on Monday, president Dilip Tirkey was meeting Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other senior government officials along with HIL franchises in New Delhi.

Sources said Tirkey introduced Ranjit Gill — Director of Hockey India and its senior most employee, her association with the sport going back decades — as the acting director general to everyone including the Minister. At the same time, Cdr R.K. Srivastava, who has been directed to cede authority as DG, was present along with secretary general Bholanath Singh and chief selector R.P. Singh in Chandigarh, accompanying Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

Monday’s meeting in New Delhi also saw concerns raised around the survival of the Hockey India League and its existing governance structure with Mandaviya making it clear in no uncertain terms that the government would back its continuation in every way.

“The Minister assured full support to the HIL but also made it clear that the existing structure needed to be change. A five-member committee has been suggested including representatives from the franchises, Hockey India and the ministry to thrash out the best possible way forward,” sources in the know said.

There was also a proposal to make the franchise owners stakeholders in the league with a share of equity but there was disagreement about the percentage. While HI officials kept pushing for 51% and exclusive voting rights, the franchises present were keen on equitable holding, something the Ministry was more in favour of. The proposed committee has been asked to work out a framework within a month.

The Ministry has also reportedly assured Tirkey that its main interest was in ensuring the growth and development of hockey with no individual bigger than the sport and anyone unwilling was free to leave.

Meanwhile, former HI and FIH president Narinder Batra has thrown his support in Tirkey’s favour in the federation’s internal fight for control while suggesting measures to resolve the stalemate including constitution of an independent Ad Hoc Committee to oversee Hockey India until the elections, independently examining all POSH-related complaints, conducting an independent financial/forensic review of major expenditure, grants, benefits and payments among others.

“I understand that 12 Executive Board members have supported the position of Secretary General Bholanath Singh in relation to the proposed action concerning Cdr R.K. Srivastava. This development makes it even more important that the basis for these positions, and any relevant financial or other benefits provided to member units or individuals, are independently examined,” he said, referring to Tirkey’s notice of suspension to Srivastava.

Interestingly, two EB members — Asima Ali and and Sunil Malik — have declared their support for Tirkey as well.