{image-hockey thotta padam_23042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}New Delhi, Apr 23: The seriousness of the Jothikumaran episode in Indian hockey has propelled the IOA to hold an emergency meeting of executive committee so as to take the necessary action in the best interest of sports.

''We understand the seriousness of the issue. Generally for an executive committee meeting we need to give a seven-day notice but looking at the importance of the subject, we have called the meeting on April 28,'' the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi told mediapersons on the sidelines of a workshop held by the Athlectics Federation of India here today. Earlier this week, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary general K Jothikumaran was caught in camera demanding bribes to select a player for the Indian senior hockey team for the Azlan Shah tournament next month.

''All the sports federations work under the democratic procedures and will have have every right to put forward their view points so that the necassary actions can be taken on the whole issue,'' Kalmadi added.

The IOA president further added that the Sports Minister M S Gill has also been requested to attend the executive meeting.

However, M S Gill who was also present on the occasion chose to keep silent on the issue.

UNI