Former olympians want Inquiry Commission,income tax raid of IHF Se

New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) Concerned by the deteriorating standard of hockey in the country, former Olympians have asked the Sports Ministry to institute an Inquiry Commission on the recent string of poor performances by the national squad, besides accusing the IHF of bungling funds.

India finished 11th in the World Cup in Germany before setting the dubious record of finishing outside medal bracket in the Asian Games history in Doha in December last.

The former Olympians feel that India are now in danger of missing out of Beijing Olympics -- which would be a first since 1928 -- if the national side continues its poor showings, in the qualifiers to be held next year.

Accusing corruption in the higher echelons of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), the former Olympians, led by Zafar Iqbal, Ashok Kumar and Balbir Singh (Jr), asked scrutiny of IHF accounts by the Sports Ministry or by Enforcement Directorate or CBI and conduct income-tax raids on IHF Secretary General Jyothikumaran.

''IHF does not submit accounts in its AGMs. All of its financial dealings are secret. While government pays for tours, coaching camps and scientific support, IHF wastes its resources on free tours and other avoidable exercises,'' they said in a memorandum submitted to Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar here yesterday.

''ESPN and Sahara sponsor Indian hockey, but the IHF never made the sponsorship fee public,'' they said.

''The Ministry (should) take necessary steps to organise income tax raid on Hony. Secretary General of IHF to compare his wealth before and after assuming the IHF office.'' The former Olympians blamed ''mismanagement by IHF, whimsical and wayward team selection and preparation'' for the sorry state of hockey in the country.

''Frequent change of coaches, not organising National Championships regularly, neglect of grassroot development, misplaced priorities, dictatorial attitude, unprofessional outlook are some of the reasons (for decay in the sport),''they added.

The meorandum also said India need more astro-turf grounds and other essential facilities, besides availability of source of motivation for the youth to take the sport.

It urged the Ministry to constitute a Hockey Steering Committee within the Ministry, consisting of former Olympians, to monitor and advise all matters relating to hockey such as selection and preparation of national teams and proper utilisation of resources allocated to IHF.

UNI