IOA invites disgruntled state associations for dialogue

Mumbai:

In a bid to resolve the differences with the Bengal Hockey Association President J B Roy-led faction over formation of 'Hockey India', the Indian Olympic Committee (IOA) has invited its members for a meeting.

"We have received a letter from IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, inviting us to discuss the affairs and the future of Indian hockey," Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) Secretary Amrit Bose told reporters on Monday.

"The members have unanimously authorised me and Roy to meet Kalmadi. This is a good beginning," she said.

The date of the meeting would be soon decided, she added.

Reiterating the state associations' demand for time-bound elections in 'Hockey India', Bose said "we would not like to lay any condition during the meeting. We would hear what he (Kalmadi) has to say, and then discuss it with our member units," Bose said.

Roy and Bose led a two-day Amby Valley dialogue that witnessed participation of office-bearers of 22 men's and 20 women's associations from nation-wide. Eighteen of these associations were present during the press conference.

The duo recently joined hands to oppose the formation of Hockey India, a unified body comprising men's and women's wing as desired by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).