Hockey India inducts Kerala Hockey as new associate member

NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) today inducted Kerala Hockey as its new associate member.

The approval is subject to ratification by the HI's Executive Board.

The decision to approve the application of Kerala Hockey was taken post disaffiliation of Hockey Kerala for irregularities in its functioning and not clarifying them within sufficient time.

Hockey Kerala had been relegated to associate member category by HI's Disciplinary Committee in May this year, a statement from the national federation said.

The new body Kerala Hockey has HI president Mariamma Koshy as its president and Francis K Paul as the general secretary.

Speaking on the newly formed Kerala Hockey, HI secretary general Narinder Batra said: "I am delighted to welcome Kerala Hockey as our new member. I am sure that Kerala Hockey will work diligently to revitalise the sport in the state and their induction in Hockey India will help in nurturing talent at grass root level."

HI currently has 25 permanent members, 21 associate members, two members through state Olympic associations, six academy members and one Hoc-Key Member.