First to cry foul

Bombay Hockey Association secretary Keher Singh says it was he who was first to cry foul with the system and had written a letter to IHF president Gill in September 2006 after India8217;s poor show at the World Cup in Germany. Keher said he had pointed out that not holding the national championships had hindered the progress of hockey and there should be more focus on states rather than individual clubs so that talent came through. He also suggested guidelines to form an accountable selection committee. When there was no acknowledgement of his suggestions, Singh did not lose hope and again redrafted the letter again in December to the IHF and sent copies to all the member state associations to spread the word.

8220;But all I got was a call from Mr Gill saying that I had no right to send the copy of the letter to the other states,8221; says Keher.