New Delhi: Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur has made it very clear that Hockey India can't take the decision of pulling out from Commonwealth Games 2022 on their own and they should discuss issues with the government beforehand.
"I feel an association or a federation should refrain from giving these kinds of statements and instead they should consult with the government and the concerned department because it is not a federation team that goes to international events, it is the national team. In a country of 130 crore people, only 18 players cannot represent India. In my opinion, they must engage with the sports department and ministry and the government should make the decision,” Thakur told the media.
The 46-year-old also emphasized on the fact that there is no lack of talent in a country and like cricket, there can be two different teams playing two different tournaments.
“India doesn't have only 18 players. If cricketers can play in IPL as well as the world cup, why can't hockey players participate in Asian & Commonwealth Games?" Thakur added.
Earlier, Hockey India, in a letter to Indian Olympic Association (IOC) President expressed that due to quarantine period in United Kingdom and the 32-day window between Birmingham CWG Games 2022 and Asian Games 2022, the federation has decided to go ahead with the latter as winning it also guarantees a direct entry into Paris Olympics 2024.
"Since the Asian Games is a continental qualification event for the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian Men's and Women's Hockey Teams will need to be at their very best when they take part in the Asian Games in September 2022. It is a priority for the teams to win the Gold medal at the Asian Games 2022, thus securing direct qualification for the Indian Men and Women teams for the Paris Olympic Games and allowing the teams almost 2 years to fully prepare for the Olympics," Hockey India had said in its statement.
Talking about national sport award
As the national sports awards are drawing near, Thakur said, “ The selection committee will meet in next 10 days where they will decide that the sportspersons who will be given the award this year and later will take time from President where they will conferred.”
