Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Hockey World Cup in Delhi next year will be one of the biggest sporting events in India.
But the International Hockey Federation (FIH) made it clear on Thursday that it wasn't too happy with the way the game is run in India and it also has a Plan B in place for the 2010 World Cup.
"We ask kindly to the Olympic Committee in India to solve the situation, to have a unique body before the World Cup," said FIH President Leandro Negre in New Delhi on Thursday.
Negre spoke like a true sportsman, direct and to the point. He may be on his first official visit to India but he has given Indian officials plenty to worry about.
Goalkeeper for Spain at the 1968 Olympics, Negre hasn’t lost the combative edge.
"The other country is Malaysia. It is well prepared because they have fantastic venue, they have experience in organising the thing. But I tell you it is just a plan. Just in case but I am sure that will not happen," warned Negre.
The FIH has made its stand pretty much clear that enough time has been wasted and even though the despotic regime of KPS Gill ended a year back, the squabbles in Indian hockey continue.
"It is for all the authorities, the courts, the judges, the mangers, the state, the industry whatever.... we have got to get together. What do we want? Do we want a World Cup in India? Do we want hockey to comeback?" asked FIH Vice-President Antonio Von Ondarza.
Clearly stung the Indian Olympic Association has hit the panic button and promises to hold elections in the next six months to replace the ad-hoc body.
"Hockey India must come into place and we must have Hockey India on its feet as soon as possible because it is not the job of the Olympic Committee to be running Hockey India," said IOC General Secretary Randhir Singh.
The FIH wants India to hold a successful World Cup but first Indian hockey will have to put its house in order.
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