States pledge aid for national hockey players

Published>Fri, Jan 22 10 08:38 PM

New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Haryana Friday pledged Rs.1 crore each while the Assam chief minister Rs.50 lakh for the welfare of the national hockey players.

Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had promised help to the agitating women's team in Bhopal over non-payment of dues by Hockey India, met union Sports Minister M.S. Gill during his visit here and promised Rs.1 crore for the players.

Later, Gill spoke to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, requesting them to chip in with contributions for the men's and women's hockey players.

'Haryana chief minister gave Rs.1 crore while Assam chief minister gave Rs.50 lakh. Rajasthan's respone is awaited,' a statement from the sports ministry said.

Chouhan Friday said his government will give Rs.1 crore to the national women's hockey team.

'I spoke to the sports minister and told him that we want to provide financial assistance to Hockey India. We are ready to give Rs.1 crore for the women's team. We are awaiting the minister's response as to in whose name the cheque should be prepared,' Chouhan said.

Gill said the money will be distributed to the women's team.

'I am very happy that the Madhya Pradesh government has come forward to help the women's team,' Gill said.

'I have also spoken to Dipika Murthy (goalkeeper) and asked her to prepare a list of the players who have not got their dues,' he added.

Taking a cue from their male counterparts, members of Indian women hockey squad had demanded Rs.3 lakh each as incentive for their performance last year. They Thursday rejected the Hockey India (HI) offer of Rs.50,000 each.

Around 40 core group players for the Commonwealth Games are camping in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, HI has also came forward to help the women's team.

'They will be paid at par with the men,' HI interim president Vidya Stokes said in a statement.

Stokes also said that HI will look into the matter of giving annual contracts to the women players as was promised to the men's team.

Stokes said the Players' Committee formed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi to look after a special players' fund will now include the captain of senior women's and men's team.

Stokes said they are awaiting funds pledged by the various state governments, Bollywood personalities and cricketers. These could then be given to the players after the formation of the elected body.

Senior player Mamta Kharab, however, said they want written assurances from the federation.

'We are happy that the state governments and the sports ministry have extended financial support. But we will continue to wear black arm-bands as we are protesting against Hockey India and they have not given us any written assurance.'

Rai Foundation chairman Vinay Rai, who is also the chairman of Assocham Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, has also given Rs.10 lakh.

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