Hockey India derecognizes Air India hockey team

This piece was published in Sportskeeda
http://www.sportskeeda.com/2013/02/24/hockey-india-derecognizes-air-india-hockey-team/ 

In a move that is going to set a right precedent for all its members, Hockey India (HI) acted sternly and de-recognized Air India hockey team – touted as one of the formidable hockey teams in the domestic circuit.

Air India was found guilty of non-payment of fees since 2010-11.

Hockey India arrived at this decision unanimously at its executive board meeting held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Saturday.

It may be pertinent to mention that Air India has been a member of Hockey India since 2009. In 2012, Air India was demoted to associate member due to non-payment of their annual membership fee.

It is learnt that Hockey India considered Air India’s stock in the domestic circuit but felt the need to crack the whip as the outfit was not responding positively despite repeated reminders.

Insiders say Hockey India hopes the move would encourage all its affiliate members and associate members to work in a professional manner.

“Although it was tough to de-recognise Air India as an Associate Member but discipline should be maintained for the smooth functioning of the National Sports Federation. We expect all the Affiliate Members and Associate Members to work professionally which is the basic criteria to develop any sport in the country,” said HI secretary general Narinder Batra.

Hockey India currently has 32 state member units, five associate members and two members through State Olympic Associations.

Air India hockey team is coached by former Indian star Dhanraj Pillay, who served as the technical director of Uttar Pradesh Wizards during the recently  concluded Hero Hockey India League.

Air India team features Indian forwards – Shivendra Singh and Arjun Halappa – both of whom are currently out of the national side.

Air India has been performing well in the various domestic tournaments. Air and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) were declared joint-winners of the 87th All-India MCC Muruguppa Gold Cup hockey tournament in Chennai after IOC refused to play after one of their goals in the penalty shootout was disallowed, being allowed first by umpire RV Raghu Prasad. Air India were leading 4-3 at that juncture after both teams were locked 2-2 in regulation time.

Air India also won the Obaidullah Khan Gold Cup hockey tournament in Bhopal, this time putting it across IOC 4-3 in the final.

Air India reached the semifinals of the Nehru Hockey tournament. In fact, they walked out after protesting BPCL’s match winning goal which the latter won 2-1 to reach the final. Air India was barred from playing in the third place play-off match for their unbecoming behaviour.

Air India did not take part in the prestigious Indian Oil Servo Surjit Singh Memorial hockey tournament held in Jalandhar, which was won by IOC.

Air India finished runners-up in the Senior Nationals, losing 1-2 to Punjab.