New Delhi – A deepening rift within Hockey India (HI) shows no sign of abating, as the federation’s president, Dilip Tirkey, met with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and owners of the Hockey India League (HIL) on Monday. The gathering, held in the capital, focused on the future of the league and the need to restructure its governing framework.
During the same day, senior HI officials attended the formal launch of the men’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Chandigarh. The ceremony, which featured the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also saw the attendance of Cdr R.K. Srivastava – the incumbent Director General who has been instructed to relinquish authority – alongside Secretary General Bholanath Singh and chief selector R.P. Singh. President Tirkey introduced Ranjit Gill, the director of Hockey India and the federation’s most senior employee, as the acting director general, presenting her to the minister and other officials.
Government backs league, but demands structural change
At the New Delhi meeting, Minister Mandaviya reiterated the government’s unwavering support for the continuation of the HIL, while simultaneously signalling that the current governance model was untenable. Sources close to the talks reported that the minister proposed the formation of a five‑member committee comprising representatives from the franchises, Hockey India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The committee’s mandate would be to devise a “best possible way forward” for the league.
One of the central points of contention revolved around the ownership structure of the HIL. Franchise owners advocated for an equity‑sharing model that would grant them a meaningful stake in the competition, whereas Hockey India officials pressed for a 51 % share coupled with exclusive voting rights. The ministry appeared to favour a more balanced approach, encouraging an equitable distribution of equity among the stakeholders. The proposed committee has been tasked with delivering a concrete framework within a month.
In addition to structural reforms, the ministry reportedly assured President Tirkey that its primary objective was the overall growth of hockey in India. The minister emphasized that no individual should dominate the sport and that any party unwilling to align with the broader vision could exit the arrangement.
Internal dissent and calls for independent oversight
Amid the external negotiations, former Hockey India and International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Narinder Batra publicly voiced his support for Tirkey’s position in the ongoing internal power struggle. Batra suggested the creation of an independent ad‑hoc committee to oversee Hockey India until fresh elections could be held. He also called for an impartial review of all complaints related to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policy, as well as a forensic audit of the federation’s major expenditures, grants, benefits and payments.
In a statement, Batra highlighted that twelve members of the Executive Board had backed Secretary General Bholanath Singh’s stance regarding the proposed removal of Cdr R.K. Srivastava. He argued that this development made it essential to independently examine the basis for the board’s positions and any associated financial benefits provided to individual members or units.
Two Executive Board members – Asima Ali and Sunil Malik – have also expressed solidarity with President Tirkey. Ali, in an email, described herself as “upset” by the opposition faced by Tirkey, noting his reputation as a distinguished player, parliamentarian and advocate for hockey development. She criticized the board’s support for the Director General, whom she said had repeatedly ignored the president’s directives, and condemned any behaviour that disrespected the chair’s authority.
Asian Champions Trophy preparations and infrastructure upgrades
While the governance debate unfolded, Punjab’s chief minister unveiled the logo for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled for 27 October to 5 November. The tournament will feature six nations – Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, China and host India – with Oman and Bangladesh listed as reserve teams. Matches will be split between the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh (Senior) International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, the latter slated for an upgrade costing ₹8.96 crore. The Jalandhar venue will receive ₹14 crore for renovations.
Both stadium projects are being promoted as long‑term investments in Punjab’s sporting infrastructure. Chief Minister Mann emphasized that the upgrades are not merely temporary fixes but strategic moves to bolster the state’s bid to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup. The ACT will be ticket‑free, with the India‑Pakistan clash set for 1 November, underscoring the event’s role as a showcase for regional hockey talent.
In summary, Hockey India finds itself at a crossroads, balancing internal leadership disputes with external pressure from the government and league franchise owners to modernise its governance. The forthcoming committee, tasked with presenting a revised framework within weeks, will need to reconcile divergent views on equity distribution, voting rights and overall control of the HIL. Meanwhile, the Asian Champions Trophy serves as a parallel focal point, highlighting both the sport’s growing popularity and the infrastructural commitments being made to sustain its development across the country.
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