These subsequent months would possibly show to be essential for the way forward for our sport…
Whereas the followers nonetheless have fun (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 incorrect 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 presently run by 3 unbiased directors, as ordered by the courtroom, till they handle to run elections and appointments the best manner. 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 incorrect and how one can forestall 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 everywhere in the world will as soon as once more elect a president. 5 different govt 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 are able to hope…
Permit me to share my want record of priorities…
- Concentrate on rising the gamers as a substitute of the followers
It’s not about getting extra nations 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 manner. Don’t depend on energy hungry directors displaying of inflated unproven numbers. - Transparency and accountability
These are apparent ones after all. In concept everybody will say they assist these. In actuality nonetheless… So let’s begin with two easy targets concerning 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 cannot be secret anymore… the best to a secret vote is sacred for people. Nevertheless whenever 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 inside the IOC to guard true staff 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 bear in mind they’re not within the leisure enterprise however into sports activities or they need to be. And present the best way…
If, as a facet impact from all this, we may additionally “86” the monstrosity that’s Hockey5s, I’d find it irresistible clearly. We have already got a conventional and a brief format which fulfil all wants anybody may should 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 present codecs. However I’m not holding my breath on this one. Let’s first begin with the three priorities above and the remainder will observe 🙂
Associated