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 may be translated into the latest courtroom order in Delhi stating he was within the flawed on a number of accounts that secured his energy on this planet of sports activities and the continuing corruption allegations. The nationwide affiliation of Hockey India is at the moment run by 3 unbiased directors, as ordered by the courtroom, till they handle to run elections and appointments the fitting means. If they don’t get their home so as quickly, it’d 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 flawed and the right way to stop 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 all around the world will as soon as once more elect a president. 5 different government board seats are additionally up for election. So may we see a shift away from Batra & his allies once more? I feel it’s uncertain a lot would change however we will hope…
Enable me to share my want checklist of priorities…
- Concentrate on rising the gamers as a substitute of the followers
It’s not about getting extra international locations to have a hockey federation. It’s not in regards to the followers in your social media. The aim of any federation in sports activities must be to develop the numbers of individuals enjoying (!) the game. And please begin measuring this in a dependable means. Don’t depend on energy hungry directors displaying of inflated unproven numbers. - Transparency and accountability
These are apparent ones in fact. In idea everybody will say they assist these. In actuality nevertheless… So let’s begin with two easy targets 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 can’t be secret anymore… the fitting to a secret vote is sacred for people. Nevertheless if 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 crew sports activities
As an alternative of bowing to their strain (extra medal occasions with much less sources). 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 way in which…
If, as a aspect impact from all this, we may additionally “86” the monstrosity that’s Hockey5s, I might adore it clearly. We have already got a standard and a brief format which fulfil all wants anybody may need to get began or proceed enjoying hockey wherever you’re on this planet. The 5s format has no (as in zero) added worth and makes for diluted budgets allotted to selling the prevailing codecs. However I’m not holding my breath on this one. Let’s first begin with the three priorities above and the remainder will comply with 🙂
