Punjab replies

NEW DELHI: Hockey Punjab on Wednesday replied to the letter sent by Hockey India relating to its formation. In response to Hockey Punjab seeking affiliation, Hockey India had raised certain queries regarding the election process followed by the former. Hockey India had demanded the names of the persons who had attended the Hockey Punjab elections.
According to Hockey Punjab secretary general Pargat Singh, all demands have been met and a reply was sent promptly. “We have done our job. We have submitted the list of persons who had participated in the elections. As far as we are concerned, the entire process was democratic.”
Pargat insisted that there was no effort on the part of Hockey Punjab to adopt shady means. “We have always believed in promoting hockey and there is no way we would adopt unfair methods. We have not denied anyone his right.”
Apart from Hockey Punjab, some other prominent states awaiting clearance for affiliation are Mumbai, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
On Sunday, Hockey Punjab had alleged that it was being denied affiliation on flimsy ground and had called the entire issue a “scam.” Hockey India had responded the next day asking for details of the election process. “There are complaints from different quarters raising doubts about the authentication of the formation of Hockey Punjab,” Hockey India had informed to Hockey Punjab.
Hockey Punjab had indicated that it would be forced to take legal help if it was not granted affiliation before the Hockey India elections scheduled to be held on January 29. The government-appointed election observer S. K. Mendiratta has also asked both the factions to solve the issue within two days. “We have sent our reply. It is now for Hockey India to take a decision” said Pargat.

The Hindu