By Paritosh Pramanik
TO SAVE its existence and for a better of its players and officials, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) finally joined Hockey India as an associate member.
The major decision to part ways with Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and join hands with Hockey India, the game governing body in the country, was taken by VHA recently. Since Hockey India came into existence in 2008, VHA, several times, declined the offer given by HI.
But looking at the future of their players as well as officials, VHA decided to toe in line with other units like Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Hockey Bhopal and Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd to name a few. With this affiliation VHA became the 12th association to get associated membership of HI.
With VHA getting Hockey India affiliation, its team would now be eligible to take part in all national level tournaments organised by Hockey India.
Similarly, the officials, umpires and other members would also be eligible to take part in all programmes, tournaments, seminars conducted by Hockey India.
“The decision was taken a few days back. VHA is now an associated member of Hockey India,” said Narinder Batra, secretary, Hockey India, while taking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from New Delhi.
Batra said “the official confirmation would be made on June 11 after our rectification meeting.”
“VHA would not have voting right in Hockey India but more importantly its players would be able to participate in HI organised tournaments.
“Till now, they (VHA) were not allowed to participate as they were not our members,” said Batra.
VHA president BC Bhartia said the decision to join Hockey India was taken after lot of thinking. “We have to save our existence. There was no point in keeping this association just for the sake of it. We wanted our players to play national meets. Hockey India is running the game in the country and their certificates hold importance. That’s why we decided to take associated membership of Hockey India.”
Vinod Gawai, secretary, VHA said it is a great moment for all those related with VHA.
“The most important is that our players would now be able to participate in Hockey India nationals. We took this decision for the better future of our players,” said Gawai.
“Our jurisdiction would be same as it was. We have all 22 districts affiliated with us,” added Gawai.
TO SAVE its existence and for a better of its players and officials, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) finally joined Hockey India as an associate member.
The major decision to part ways with Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and join hands with Hockey India, the game governing body in the country, was taken by VHA recently. Since Hockey India came into existence in 2008, VHA, several times, declined the offer given by HI.
But looking at the future of their players as well as officials, VHA decided to toe in line with other units like Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Hockey Bhopal and Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd to name a few. With this affiliation VHA became the 12th association to get associated membership of HI.
With VHA getting Hockey India affiliation, its team would now be eligible to take part in all national level tournaments organised by Hockey India.
Similarly, the officials, umpires and other members would also be eligible to take part in all programmes, tournaments, seminars conducted by Hockey India.
“The decision was taken a few days back. VHA is now an associated member of Hockey India,” said Narinder Batra, secretary, Hockey India, while taking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from New Delhi.
Batra said “the official confirmation would be made on June 11 after our rectification meeting.”
“VHA would not have voting right in Hockey India but more importantly its players would be able to participate in HI organised tournaments.
“Till now, they (VHA) were not allowed to participate as they were not our members,” said Batra.
VHA president BC Bhartia said the decision to join Hockey India was taken after lot of thinking. “We have to save our existence. There was no point in keeping this association just for the sake of it. We wanted our players to play national meets. Hockey India is running the game in the country and their certificates hold importance. That’s why we decided to take associated membership of Hockey India.”
Vinod Gawai, secretary, VHA said it is a great moment for all those related with VHA.
“The most important is that our players would now be able to participate in Hockey India nationals. We took this decision for the better future of our players,” said Gawai.
“Our jurisdiction would be same as it was. We have all 22 districts affiliated with us,” added Gawai.
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