New Delhi, June 11: Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken Saturday gave Hockey India (HI) and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) a blueprint for merger, paving the way for the two rival organisations to end their dispute.
 The two outfits have been given time till Tuesday to get back to the ministry with their observations on Maken's suggestions.
 Briefing the media after the meeting, the sports minister clarified that the warring groups can also take a few more days to come to a common ground on the draft proposal.
 The proposal has suggested that the strength of the executive board of HI, which is recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), be raised to 33 from 17 so that a majority of IHF members could be accommodated.
 It virtually means the executive committees of the two outfits get merged. Also former IHF chief K.P.S. Gill is proposed to be the life patron in honorary capacity, but with voting rights.
 The reconstituted body can run till 2014 when HI elections are due.
 "It is a balanced proposal and it will be good for the game in the country. We are not taking any sides. The reason why we want IHF to merge with HI is that the latter has the recognition of world body so it will save us from legal complications. IHF will have equal voting rights in the executive board. They can respond to the proposal separately or they can hold talks and then respond." (IANS)

Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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