FIH launches project to rescue Indian Hockey

Monchengldbach, Sep 16 (UNI) Taking a serious view over the decline of Indian hockey, the sport's world body and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced a project to rescue and revive the game in the country and study the organisational structure of the Indian national body.

Addressing a crowded press conference, IOC president Jacques Rogge and International Hockey Federation's (FIH) chief Els van Breda Vriesman said the project for revival of Indian hockey will be under the Olympic solidarity programme, which will also involve the Country's Olympic Association.

''India has a long tradition in hockey and an outstanding record of achievement going back to many years,'' Ms van Breda Vriesman said while explaining why her federation thought it necessary to start this project. ''A strong Indian hockey playing team and a strong administrative team is good for that country, Asia and for the game globally,'' she said.

She said FIH has launched the project in cooperation with IOC for the enhancement and renewal of Indian Hockey. ''The outcome is intended to be the re-establishment and subsequent maintenance of a high profile for Indian Hockey. This should be to re-establish India's position among the top six Hockey-Nations with realistic ambitions,'' she added.

She said former FIH Executive Board member Bob Davidzon will lead the project. ''He will work with Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) to identify key shareholders and interests and to analyse strengths and weaknesses.'' ''This is an exciting and stimulating project for India and for Hockey,'' She said and praised IHC for agreeing to have such a project. ''It is courageous of the IHC to agree to look in detail and openly at its aims and structure.'' She, however, cautioned that ''the project is challenging and will require hard thinking and open minds by everyone involved.'' The FIH chief expressed confidence that with the cooperation and constructive approach already demonstrated by the IHC and the IOA, the project will be a success.

World Hockey needs India, the FIH president said, adding ''Revival of the sports in that country is important in the long term because India still is inspiration for several hockey playing nations and I am hopeful about the turn in the Indian hockey's fortune.'' She disclosed that Bob Davidzon will submit his report in six months and after that FIH will take further action.

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