SPORTS MINISTER QUESTIONS SELECTION PROCESS OF HOCKEY TEAM

Irregularities are being reported in the selection of state hockey teams continuously as Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh accused the state Hockey federation of neglecting the most eligible players. In Tokyo Olympics, male and female hockey teams performed well which brought the laurels to the country and several players in both teams hailed from Haryana. In the wake of the allegations of Singh and hockey teams’ performance, the issue has become the talk of the town across the state as well as the country.

Regarding the issue, Sandeep said that the state Hockey federation failed to conduct a fair selection process putting all regulations aside. He is getting a string of calls pertaining to the irregularities during the selection of players which is a matter of serious concern and addressing the issue is the need of the hour. He also said that in view of the seriousness of the matter, he will write to all sports associations and federations so that the eligible sportspersons can get birth into the team. It is pertinent to mention that prior to this, a case of negligence of an eligible female player hailing from Kurukshetra, during the trials also surfaced and she succeeded in getting selected in the team after the matter was brought to the notice. It is also learnt that even a few players who contacted the sports minister have played national and international matches. If these players are denied for trial or non-eligible sports players have been selected or yet to be selected, then the issue needs to be taken into consideration without any delay and an inquiry should be conducted so that things can be made clearer.

Singh also raised a finger over the role of a coach who is an employee of ONGC, saying that it is a matter of serious concern to look into his interference during the selection of players. Besides, those officials continue to neglect the eligible sports persons who should be subject to stern action.

Although nothing can be said exactly who is wrong or right, the ongoing scenario necessitated the need for the high-level inquiry to make things clearer. Besides, the Hockey federation should come ahead to clear which capacity above coach is associated with the whole process. One more noticeable aspect is that in wake of the nature of the matter, the issue is most likely to take place in the forthcoming assembly session for discussion.