Bhubaneswar: Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to the Hockey Association of Read (HAO), proposing its reclassification from a permanent member to an associate member over alleged non-compliance with the national federation’s bye-laws. The decision was taken at Hockey India’s Executive Committee meeting October 6 following an adverse report by the Electoral Officer, which had stalled the HAO’s scheduled elections October 3.
Hockey India has raised eight grounds of concern, including what it described as serious deficiencies in the functioning of HAO’s 30 district units. According to the federation, key positions such as president and secretary in all 30 district associations are held ex officio by administrative officials, including District Magistrates and Sub-Collectors, instead of being filled through elections. Hockey India also said none of the district units had submit ted election notices, minutes or results to establish that their governing bodies had been constituted through a legitimate electoral process.
The absence of the required documentation has also prevented the finalisation of the electoral roll for the HAO elections, it said. HAO has been given two weeks to submit comprehensive documentation, including proof of elections and the requisite statutory authorisations. Failure to comply could lead to formal proceedings for reclassification through Hockey India’s Affiliation Committee and subsequently its General Body. Meanwhile, Hockey Read general secretary Pratap Satpathy welcomed Hockey India’s action and urged the Read Chief Minister to intervene to ensure transparent administration of hockey in the state.