These subsequent months would possibly show to be essential for the way forward for our sport…
Whereas the followers nonetheless have a good time (or mourn) the Netherlands taking a third world cup in a row in ladies’s hockey… For the extra engaged follower of our sport the day after was marked by the resignation of Narinder Batra as FIH president. Batra additionally resigned from his roles as president of the Indian Olympic Affiliation and his membership of the IOC. He cites private causes, which will be translated into the latest court docket order in Delhi stating he was within the incorrect on a number of accounts that secured his energy on the earth of sports activities and the continuing corruption allegations. The nationwide affiliation of Hockey India is presently run by 3 unbiased directors, as ordered by the court docket, till they handle to run elections and appointments the proper manner. If they don’t get their home so as quickly, it would even jeopardise the upcoming males’s world cup in January 2023,
However let’s not dwell on this. Let’s look ahead and hope our sport can bounce again… It’s for the directors and specialised press to analyze what went incorrect and how one can forestall this sooner or later. Each in India as on the worldwide scene.
FIH elections
In November this yr the FIH was already scheduled to run its international congress and that’s when the NA’s (= nationwide associations) from everywhere in the world will as soon as once more elect a president. 5 different govt board seats are additionally up for election. So might we see a shift away from Batra & his allies once more? I believe it’s uncertain a lot would change however we will hope…
Enable me to share my want checklist of priorities…
- Deal with rising the gamers as an alternative of the followers
It’s not about getting extra international locations to have a hockey federation. It’s not concerning the followers in your social media. The aim of any federation in sports activities needs to be to develop the numbers of individuals taking part in (!) the game. And please begin measuring this in a dependable manner. Don’t depend on energy hungry directors displaying of inflated unproven numbers. - Transparency and accountability
These are apparent ones after all. In principle everybody will say they help these. In actuality nevertheless… So let’s begin with two easy objectives relating to this. First publish all monetary audited accounts for the FIH and its basis for these final years with explanations. Earlier than the elections. Secondly, elections cannot be secret anymore… the proper to a secret vote is sacred for people. Nonetheless while you’re voting on behalf of others (as all NA directors are) a vote must be within the open and accounted for. - Be a robust voice throughout the IOC to guard true group sports activities
As a substitute of bowing to their stress (extra medal occasions with much less assets). True leaders don’t cave for the promise of cash if it corrupts our values. Assist IOC keep in mind they’re not within the leisure enterprise however into sports activities or they need to be. And present the best way…
If, as a aspect impact from all this, we might additionally “86” the monstrosity that’s Hockey5s, I’d like it clearly. We have already got a standard and a brief format which fulfil all wants anybody might need to get began or proceed taking part in hockey wherever you’re on the earth. The 5s format has no (as in zero) added worth and makes for diluted budgets allotted to selling the present codecs. However I’m not holding my breath on this one. Let’s first begin with the three priorities above and the remainder will observe 🙂
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