Hockey India has announced an emergency Executive Board meeting to be held on September 18, aimed at resolving ongoing disputes among its senior officials. The meeting, convened by Secretary Bhola Nath Singh at the request of President Dilip Tirkey, will take place at 3 pm at the Hockey India office in New Delhi. The initiative follows a series of controversies that have surfaced over recent weeks, highlighting significant divisions within the organisation.

The internal rift became particularly evident during the recent discussions surrounding the controversial change of the Indian national team’s jersey colour from blue to saffron. Dilip Tirkey has publicly stated that this change occurred without his consent or the approval of the Executive Board, intensifying tensions within Hockey India.

As part of the immediate response to this situation, Tirkey has issued a show-cause notice to Hockey India’s Director General, Cdr R K Srivastava, alleging that he acted unilaterally. The notice outlines eight charges against Srivastava, with the jersey controversy being a prominent issue. Srivastava is now required to provide a response within four weeks.

Discussion on the Future of Hockey India League

A significant topic for discussion at the emergency meeting will be the future of the Hockey India League (HIL), which has encountered difficulties due to administrative disagreements. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently met with Tirkey and franchise owners, urging them to develop a cohesive roadmap for both the men’s and women’s leagues.

A five-member committee has been established to create a governance and financial model for the league. Franchise owners have expressed a desire for a more substantial role in league management, citing dissatisfaction with the current operational structure governed by Hockey India. Proposals are being considered to collaborative structure, potentially transforming the HIL into a joint venture.

One of the primary proposals on the table involves forming a new company, HIL Pvt Ltd, with Hockey India retaining 40 per cent equity share and franchises pooling together 60 per cent. Another suggested approach includes the establishment of a new Governing Council comprising a chair, two Hockey India members, and two representatives from each franchise to oversee league operations.

Focus on Elections and Financial Approvals

In addition to the above matters, the Executive Board will address the upcoming Hockey India elections, including the appointment of an Electoral Officer responsible for overseeing the electoral process. Furthermore, the board will review and approve the financial statements, including the balance sheet and income-expenditure report for the financial year 2025-26.

The hosting of the men’s and women’s Asian Champions Trophy is also expected to be a focal point of discussion. Locations being considered for the tournaments include Jalandhar, Mohali, and Bhopal, indicating ongoing efforts to promote the sport at a domestic level.

Additionally, Tirkey’s actions against Srivastava will be formally presented to the Executive Board. The associated notice highlights allegations concerning the leaking of privileged information from Hockey India to the media and social media channels. The September 18 meeting aims to tackle multiple unresolved issues within Hockey India, which is facing increasing pressure to resolve its internal conflicts while simultaneously establishing a functional structure for its domestic league.

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