KPS Gill lashes out at Sports Minister

Patiala, Apr 28 (UNI) The President of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), KPS Gill, had a dig at Sports Minister MS Gill, calling him an Akali and pro-Khalistan politician, who ''knows little about sports''.

Talking to UNI from Delhi on phone this morning, KPS Gill said,''Gill is an Akali and pro-Khalistan and is against me because I had wiped out the Khalistan movement.'' Gill said that the general impression in the country is that MS Gill forced K Jothikumaran to quit IHF as Secretary- General, whereas the fact is that Jothikumaran had quit on his own till his name was cleared of the 'concocted sting operation.' ''Jothikuraman's guilt has to be proved in a court of law, and only then I will step in to take appropriate action,'' Gill said.

Further, Gill added that I have already instituted an inquiry into the Jothikumaran episode with the former Judge of the High Court, Rajiv Mehta, who is President of Uttaranchal Olympic Association and Secretary of Uttaranchal Hockey Association, heading the inquiry committee and am awaiting the committee's report to take action accordingly.

''I cannot take action against Jothikumaran merely on the basis of media report, he stated.

Though FIH chief, Els van Breda Vriesman, wants him to quit because he is protecting Jothikumaran, Gill said that he will not step down from his post in the present circumstances.

UNI XC AB HT1938