Adv Wanjarri bats for VHA’s recognition

Raises issue of VHA’s disaffiliation by Hockey Mah in State Assembly

Special Correspondent

Member of Legislative Council from Nagpur Advocate Abhijit Wanjarri has raised the issue of Vidarbha Hockey Association’s (VHA) disaffiliation by Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey India (HI) during the State Budget Session in Assembly on Friday.

Adv Wanjarri also informed the House how Hockey Maharashtra is run illegally and has two Constitutions of the association.

‘The Hitavada’, in its Friday’s issue, published a report about alleged violation in team selection and how Hockey Maharashtra is allegedly violating the of Sports Code and HI Constitution. 

Speaking during the Question Hour, Adv Wanjarri informed the House about the inception of VHA which is much older than the State of Maharashtra and asked the Government to take the matter seriously and grant VHA its membership status.

“VHA was formed in 1959, much before the formation of State of Maharashtra and has produced many national and international level hockey players. During the CP and Berar Provinces, there were 22 districts affiliated with Vidarbha,” Adv Wanjarri informed the House.

He further said that after formation of the State, Marathwada and Vidarbha got merged into Maharashtra.

Wanjarri did not oppose the one-state-one-unit decision of Hockey India and IOA but said that VHA has been at the forefront of promoting hockey in and around Vidarbha since many years. “The players of Vidarbha are suffering because of politics. 

Adv Wanjarri also claimed that there is a big corruption going on in Hockey Maharashtra. “The election of Hockey Maharashtra was flawed. The constitution of Hockey Maharashtra put up on its website is different from the one available with the charity commissioner’s office,” claimed Adv Wanjarri.

“How can be there two constitutions of one association,” Adv Wanjarri questioned.

“Members of Hockey Maharashtra are hand in gloves with some of officials of Hockey India and disqualified Vidarbha Hockey Association, which has produced several top level players,” claimed Adv Wanjarri.

The Nagpur MLC requested State Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne to open up an inquiry into the entire matter and punish the culprits.