Hockey crisis blows over, national camp to resume Thursday

PUNE/NEW DELHI - India’s hockey crisis was over Wednesday and the players will be back in the World Cup camp Thursday. The players ended their boycott after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi promised them immediate monetary relief and also agreed to consider their other demands.

Kalamdi rushed to the Balewadi Sports Complex here Wednesday morning after talks between Hockey India (HI) officials and players failed to break the deadlock over the payment dispute Tuesday.

Sponsors Sahara also took a big step to end the impasse by deciding to immediately release Rs.10 million for ‘distribution’ among the players.

Kalmadi assured the rebelling players, who were present when he addressed the media, that all their demands would be met.

“Hockey is our national game, not national shame. It has to be our national pride. I agree with most of their demands and I assure them full support,” he said.

“Some of their demands are short-term while others are broad based for which I will have to talk to the sports ministry and the elected HI. Most important thing for everyone is that players should focus on the World Cup and I am sure that we will win a medal,” Kalmadi added.

India forward Deepak Thakur said Kalmadi has promised to clear a part of their dues in a week’s time besides taking up the issue of a graded payment system for the players with the elected HI next month.

“He (Kalmadi) has assured us that our demands will be met. Their key demand, the graded payment to secure our future, should be taken up with the new set-up before the World Cup,” he said.

Kalmadi said some positives have come out of the crisis that will go a long way in setting up a benchmark for all Olympic sports in the country.

“We have so many corporates coming up to back the players and it is a good sign. Sahara has pledged Rs.10 million,” he said.

Kalmadi also said a Hockey Players Fund would be created under the chairmanship of HI president. The committee will also have five-six players on board, including former India captain Dhanraj Pillay, who was with Kalmadi during the meeeting with the players.

Sahara India in it statement said: “In the interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs.1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can return to practice and play for the country.

“Sahara has also paid Rs.77 lakh in December as advance for the quarter of January 15 to April 14. Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision on the amount,” the statement said.