No need for sports ministry: KPS Gill

KPS Gill showed many facets of himself after the Delhi high court judgment in favour of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

He was balanced in his reaction to the verdict, concerned at the way forward, but scathing in his attack on the sports ministry.

“There is no need for the sports ministry and the minister (MS Gill) might as well be given some other ministry to head,” said KPS Gill, adding that the IHF was de-recognised illegally and that a few people had held the system to ransom.

“No due courses were followed. We were neither given a chance to explain our position nor given a show cause notice,” Gill said about the body currently running the game in the country.

High court judge justice S Muralidhar had earlier in the day quashed the Centre’s decision in 2008 to derecognise the IHF after a disaffiliation from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). These came after IHF secretary general K Jothikumaran was caught on camera taking bribe to select players.

“There are certain laws of the land and they have to be taken as they are. We had presented our case and they had presented theirs,” said Gill.

However, the IHF chief understood that the way forward would not be easy, not only because the matter could be taken to the Supreme Court but because the IHF was not an internationally recognised federation. “We have to work out our affiliation with the world body (FIH). We are not sure how to go about that as of now,” said Gill.

“Hockey has slid down badly as nothing is being done for the game since Hockey India has come into existence. But we will organise our national championships shortly,” said Gill, who hinted that he might not be in the fray for IHF elections, that would be held in a couple of months.