Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. File | Photo credit: Hindu
The struggles in Hockey India show no signs of resolution any time soon.
Even as some of the federation’s top leaders were present in Chandigarh for the official launch of the men’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) on Monday, President Dilip Tirkey met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandavia and other senior government officials as well as HIL officials in New Delhi.
Sources said Tirkey has introduced Ranjit Gill – Hockey India’s director and its most senior employee, whose association with the sport goes back decades – as acting CEO to everyone, including the minister. At the same time, commander R.K. Shrivastava, who was tasked with handing over the charge of the CEO, was present along with General Secretary Bholanath Singh and Chief Selector R.P. Singh in Chandigarh, accompanying Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.
Monday’s meeting in New Delhi also raised concerns about the survival of the Indian Hockey League and its existing governance structure, with Mandaviya making it clear that the government would strongly support its continuation.
Changing the ownership and management structure of HIL
“The minister assured full support to HIL but also made it clear that the existing structure needs to be changed. It has been proposed to set up a five-member committee, including representatives of the franchises, Hockey India and the ministry, to determine the best possible way forward,” sources in the know said.
There was also a proposal to make franchise owners equity shareholders in the league, but there was disagreement over the percentage. While HI officials continued to push for 51% and exclusive voting rights, the franchisees present were interested in fair ownership and the ministry was more in favor of it. The proposed committee was tasked with developing the structure within a month.
The ministry has also reportedly assured Tirkey that its primary interest is to ensure the growth and development of hockey, with no individual being bigger than the sport and anyone who is unwilling is free to leave.
Batra, Asima in support
Meanwhile, former HI and FIH president Narinder Batra has backed Tirkey in the federation’s internal fight for control, while proposing measures to break the deadlock, including setting up an independent ad hoc committee to monitor Indian Hockey before the elections, an independent review of all POSH-related complaints, an independent financial/forensic audit of underlying expenditure, grants, benefits and payments, among others.
“I understand that the 12 members of the Executive Council have supported the position of General Secretary Bholanath Singh regarding the proposed action in respect of Commander RK Srivastava. This development makes it even more important that the basis for these posts, as well as any related financial or other benefits provided to member units or individuals, are subject to independent scrutiny,” he said, referring to Tirkey’s notice to suspend Srivastava.
Interestingly, two members of the Executive Committee – Asima Ali and Sunil Malik – also declared their support for Tirka. “I am writing this letter because I am truly very upset to see that a person who is the President of Hockey India, who has been a renowned player, a worthy person and a Member of Parliament and has always worked honestly for the development of hockey, is facing such opposition from the Executive Council.
“Rather, these EC members are favoring a person (CEO) who consistently fails to carry out the orders of the President’s office. I am truly surprised and disappointed to see all this and I do not support this kind of behavior where any officer/member of the EC disrespects the chairmanship and orders of the President,” Ashima wrote.
AST from October 27
Meanwhile, in Chandigarh, Mann released the logo of the tournament, which will be played from October 27 to November 5, including league matches in Jalandhar, as well as knockout matches and the final in Mohali. The six-nation tournament, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and China, has been made free-to-play as India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash on November 1. Oman and Bangladesh are the reserve teams.
The two facilities—the Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the ₹8.96-crore Olympian Balbir Singh (Senior) International Hockey Stadium in Mohali—will be upgraded at a cost of ₹14 crore and ₹8.96 crore respectively. “These are not just infrastructure projects, but an investment in Punjab’s sporting future,” Mann added, saying the event would be a testing ground for the state’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Published – September 14, 2026 8:48 pm EST.