Dhanraj slams FIH,HI after top players opt out of WSH

FIH Chief Leonardo Negre has been maintaining that it cannot give sanction to the WSH until the two warring factions — Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation — reach an agreement.

FIH’s “ambiguous” stance on the issue has confused players and officials,Pillay said.

“HI should not have raised any objection for WSH since it will provide a platform for young hockey players to showcase their talent… It will also bring money to players,” he said.

Pillay said both HI and FIH are playing “dirty” politics and spoiling the prospects of improving and making hockey competitive. “Are they really concerned of improving the standard of players and the game?” he asked.

Pillay,who represented India in 1992,1996,2000 and 2004 Olympics,said the “clash of egos” (between HI and IHF) has played a damaging role in promoting the national sport.

“The sport and players are made to suffer for no fault of theirs,” he said.

Top Indian players reportedly deciding to stay away from WSH,Pillay said they should have known about their availability for the tournament before signing the agreement.