Indian hockey 'is back', says FIH president Negre

It was once deemed as the powerhouse of the region.

From its first gold medal at the 1928 Olympics, the Indian hockey team has gone on to net eight gold medals in the Summer Games.

Nevertheless, India’s performance has somehow dwindled over the years – mostly due to the internal politicking among office bearers.

Recently, their participation in the up-coming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was marred with controversy but was quickly addressed after the Sports Ministry ordered the Sports Authority of India to released funds for the trip to Ipoh.

However, International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre believes the country is finally on the right track to regaining its past status.

“India, over the past 20 years, has not been playing good hockey. But having helped them organise matters at home, we now have beautiful results,” said Negre in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

The Spaniard admitted the internal politics within the Hockey Association hindered the Indians from progressing further.

“In India it was always about internal problems and people fighting. I am glad to say that now under Hockey India, things have improved. In fact I would like to credit (Hockey India secretary general) Narinder Batra for his work.

“India is back,” he added.

Negre said several initiatives including the hosting of the recently concluded Hockey India League (HIL) has helped boost the federation’s image. For the record, Batra is also chairman of the inaugural HIL which was held from January 14 till February 10.

“The number of hockey sticks sold within the period of the HIL was amazing, it was more than the number of hockey sticks sold throughout 2012. That is indeed encouraging. Hockey is also being supported by big corporations and this is healthy for the sport,” he added.

Negre had earlier revealed that Malaysia could join India, Holland and Argentina in hosting “one major tournament” annually in FIH’s bid to further popularise the sport.