{image-hockey thotta padam_23042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}New Delhi, Apr 23: The Jothikumaran episode that stunned Indian hockey this week has compelled the game's governing body, FIH, to take a plunge into the issue and has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take ''appropriate action'' in the matter.

In the first official reaction from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), president Els van Breda Vriesman said, ''We have taken notice and we are in close contact with the Indian Olympic Association to take proper action as they see it appropriate.'' Earlier this week, former Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary general K Jothikumaran was shown accepting bribe to include a player in the senior hockey team after receiving a cash payment of Rs two lakhs and taking a promise of another Rs three lakhs by a private news channel.

Following the incident which brought strong criticism from various quarters, Jothikumaran stepped down from his post which he has held for 15 long years.

UNI