Joshi alleges violation in selection process by Hockey Maharashtra

 

Writes to Hockey India seeking action against State unit

Special Correspondent

Mar 21, 2025

THE Secretary of District Hockey Association of Wardha Krishna Joshi has alleged violation in the selection process of the men’s hockey team selected by Hockey Maharashtra (HM) and has requested Hockey India to take action against the State Unit.

In his letter to Hockey India, Joshi alleged that Hockey Maharashtra has not conducted any intra and inter-district hockey tournaments which is necessary to pick players for the selection trials. 

“Hockey Maharashtra is not conducting the Intra-District and Inter-District Championships, which are mandatory under Chapter 2 of Guidelines for Selection Trials of Hockey India Member Units. The selection trial lasted only for three hours,” alleged Joshi who is also the Co-ordinator of TN Sidhra, Administrator of Vidarbha Hockey Association.

“The Intra-District and Inter-District Championships are aimed at ensuring mass participation, fair competition and merit-based team selection, especially for talented players from under-represented and rural districts,” Joshi’s letter to Hockey India, which is also posted on the facebook page of Wardha District Hockey, stated.

HI Secretary Bhola Singh was also tagged to the post with all the letters and part of Hockey India Constitution attached.

Joshi requested Hockey India to direct Hockey Unit of Maharashtra to immediately cancel the direct selection trials and instead conduct proper Intra-District and Inter-District Championships as per Hockey India’s selection framework.

‘HOCKEY MAHARASHTRA VIOLATING HI CONSTITUTION’

The Wardha district Secretary Joshi also alleged that Hockey Maharashtra has two constitutions which is in violation of Sports Code and HI Constitution. HM has also granted affiliation to parallel district units, he alleged. “Hockey Maharashtra has granted affiliations to parallel district associations despite the matter being sub-judice before Bombay High Court,” he alleged. Joshi also claimed that the elected members of Hockey Maharashtra have not observed mandatory cooling off period as per Sports Code and are continuing in the office even after two successive terms.

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HM SECRETARY ANAND LAUGHS OFF AT BASELESS ALLEGATIONS

HOCKEY Maharashtra (HM) Secretary Manish Anand laughed off at the baseless allegations from Krishna Joshi.

Anand said Hockey Maharashtra is following all the rules and regulations of Hockey India and all the tournaments are being organised regularly.

“Why should I comment on the baseless allegations of somebody who posted some letters on social media. We have not received any letter from Hockey India to explain anything. We are following all the guidelines and are conducting tournaments regularly. Everything is there on our official social media page,” stated Anand while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

Anand said hockey in Maharashtra is growing and those against us are jealous of the state’s success.

“Our teams are winning medals at national level. Hockey in Maharashtra is going upwards and we might also get another national level tournament in coming months. Apart from that we are also planning to hold an Asian hockey meet. This is only because we are successful since past several years.

“We have conducted the elections as per the Constitution which was held under HI observer. Had there been any illegality, Hockey India would have objected,” clarified Anand.