When final yr mr. Batra received re-elected because the FIH president I wrote “We deserve higher” with an open letter to the directors of our sport. In it I needed to make two factors:
- The number one precedence is getting extra folks to PLAY the game, not WATCH the game.
- Transparency & accountability in governing our sport want to enhance.
Not too long ago the FIH president, mr Batra, introduced he wouldn’t search re-election because the president for the IOA, which is the nationwide Olympic affiliation of India. He claimed this was as a result of hockey was coming into a time with plenty of challenges and it wanted his full consideration. What he forgot to say was, he was convicted of malpractice as a sports activities administrator by the Excessive Courtroom of Delhi for a number of acts that don’t cross the bar on the subject of good governance. In case you need to learn the complete judgment, click on right here. Thus far Batra has not stay as much as guarantees made (income for FIH will go up) or damaged different guarantees he made hockey (I by no means attempt to go for IOA presidency). Clearly the final meeting of NA’s didn’t maintain him accountable final yr. Perhaps the chief board of the FIH will do it this yr? I’m not holding my breath although…
2 columns which are a should learn
If you happen to’re solely within the newest outcomes of the staff you root for or need to see thrilling tips with stick and ball. This may not be your cup of tea. If you happen to care about the way forward for our recreation although you would possibly need to learn two current columns from Australian journalist Ashley Morrison:
If you happen to’re a sports activities administrator at a membership, a nationwide or continental affiliation I believe you should learn these and ask your fellow directors to do the suitable factor. And please keep in mind the 2 factors which are close to to at the very least my coronary heart:
- The number one precedence is getting extra folks to PLAY the game, not WATCH the game.
- Transparency & accountability in governing our sport want to enhance.
It’s by no means too late to do the suitable factor…
We’ve run our sport as well-meaning amateurs for a very long time. Occasions have modified. Too many NA’s (that’s nationwide associations) and their directors are actually in it for themselves as a substitute of the game they need to characterize. If you happen to solely spend Olympic and authorities funding in your administration and nationwide groups you’re doing all your sport a disservice. Establishing or attending worldwide occasions and “rising your fanbase” is a method to an finish, not the tip aim.
If you can’t reveal you might be rising the variety of energetic and registered gamers in a sustainable manner, you’re doing it mistaken ⚠️
It’s by no means too late to do the suitable factor…
