Hockey146;s new low: Secy quits after bribery sting

Posing as a business house which wanted to 8220;organise8221; a hockey tournament, the TV channel claimed it approached Jothikumaran who first asked for Rs 5 lakh as 8220;seed money.8221;

Over several exchanges, according to the transcript released by Aaj Tak, Jothikumaran assured the channel8217;s reporters that a player of their choice 8212; one of the 40 probables who did not make it to the team currently in Australia 8212; would be included in the national side for the upcoming Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia in May.

A sum of Rs 2 lakh, the sting alleged, was paid in cash and a promise of another 3 lakh to be delivered to his pointman in Delhi. The channel claimed the money was paid in a Delhi hotel in two instalments on April 10 and 11.

When contacted, IHF president Gill confirmed that the secretary had tendered his resignation. 8220;I have accepted it8230;till he clears his name,8221; Gill said.

Earlier, when contacted by The Indian Express, Jothikumaran had denied all accusations. 8220;At this point, all I can say is that I deny all these reports. It is a completely concocted story, and I will inform the media of my decision after talking to my president Gill,8221; he said.

According to the transcript released by the channel, Jothikumaran said: 8220;I think 8230; God willing 8230; this boy, between you and me only 8230; but this boy will have a chance to go to Azlan Shah. Let it come through 8230; then only we will tell them 8230; In advance I am telling you because the purpose is to keep this boy continue in the camp in Bangalore. Once the Australia tour is over, probably from here this boy may join in Malaysia.8221;

8220;The selection for the Azlan Shah tournament is to be done tomorrow. We have a completely new set up for the selection committee and they are responsible for selecting the team. But Jothikumaran has apparently given these people the impression that he can get a player selected, and on the basis of that taken money from them,8221; said Gill, who is also the chairman of the selection committee. 8220;I will have to taken action against him,8221; he said, adding that he has not yet decided what that action could be. 8220;We will have to go by the IHF constitution on that,8221; he said.

The Importance of Jothikumaran

8226;First elected IHF secretary general in June 1994, along with K P S Gill as president

8226;Member of International Hockey Federation8217;s Development 038; Coaching Council

8226;India8217;s point man at all international forums, including Indian Olympic Association, Asian Hockey Federation, Asian Games and FIH

8226;Co-ordinator of FIH8217;s 8216;Revive Indian Hockey8217; project