Agitation on despite money; Women seek impartiality

Bhopal :

The women's hockey team has acknowledged the Sports Ministry's effort of offering a sum of 1 crore to their team.

However, they said that they would continue with the agitation, the reason being that they thought the real problem was not sorted yet. Now the players demand to be paid at par with the men and they want to be reassured of that.

In a press release by Hockey India to address the issues faced by the women's hockey team, the authorities stated that they did not differentiate between the Men's and Women's team.

Hockey India said that the women's team would also be paid at par with Men.

Vidya Stokes, President, Hockey India, said, "We will also be doing grading of players for annual contracts. Rs 50,000 being given to women is an advance payment only and balance payment will be paid by the new elected body of Hockey India."

The Committee of players announced by President, IOA, in Pune to look after a special player's fund, will now have 2 additional members i.e. Captains of both Senior Women's & Men's teams.

Stokes said, "We are awaiting funds to come in the players fund as announced by :

•      Government of Madhya Pradesh
•      Government of Uttar Pradesh
•      Government of Punjab
•      Shree Cement
•      Bollywood Stars and money from their shows.
•      Mr. Sunil Gavaskar on behalf of Cricketers.
•      And other sources / people who came forward.