Indian hockey crisis blown over, the players go for World Cup camp

The Indian hockey, which was plunged in crisis last nearly one week with a stand-off between the game's administrators and the striking players, found a solution and the national team has called off its strike on an assurance that the players will be paid their dues at the earliest.

The settlement of the crisis, which has dogged Indian hockey for the last five days, paves the way for the players to rejoin the World Cup preparatory camp from January 14.

Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi worked out the compromise deal in the presence of former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay and the players have been promised an immediate disbursement of Rs one crore.

Mr. Kalmadi, who flew in to Pune on Wednesday morning and held negotiations with the protesting players, said that a full settlement has been reached and "everybody is happy about it".

"Hockey has been our national game. It can never be a national shame. It will be our national pride. The players all feel that they want to bring up Indian hockey. I assured them of full support," Mr. Kalmadi told a press conference after his meeting with the players

Mr. Kalmadi, who is also Chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said that the Rs one crore given by sponsors Sahara India will be disbursed among the players within a week and all other issues would be sorted out in due course of time.

Mr. Kalmadi also said that a Players' Welfare Development Fund will be created and former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay who also played a key role in resolving the crisis has been put in charge.

He also made it clear that no player will be targeted in future for boycotting the camp. "No player will be targeted. They have done it within the decorum. I will also tell the next Hockey India president to agree to the players' demand."

The IO president said that various state governments like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have promised financial support to the players, while some other corporate houses have also assured monetary help.

Mr. Kalmadi also said that a number of Bollywood personalities such as Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salma Agha have expressed concern about the developments.

"I would request them to hold shows and concerts so that more funds can be generated for the players. I would also request Subhash Ghai to help. This money will not only help the current players but also the old hockey players who are in dire need," Mr. Kalmadi said.

Team sponsor, Sahara India, decided to release Rs one crore immediately to be distributed only among the striking players, that made the settlement possible.

"In the genuine interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs one Crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can peacefully and happily practice and play for the country," Sahara said in a statement.

- Asian Tribune -