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IHF claims problem regarding payment sorted out

Indian Hockey Federation President K P S Gill today said the problem with regard to payment to players, "engineered by an ex-player," had been sorted out. He was referring to an issue raised by former India captain Pargat Singh, though Gill refused to name him.

"In my opinion, he had done disservice to Indian hockey. It is totally disgraceful and extremely reprehensible," he told a press conference. What started as a routine question and answer session generated intense heat.

"It's sad that a renowned player had made this an issue," he regretted.

Gill said the ex-player had started a magazine and gone to the extent of writing in an article stating that a greatest disaster would befall Indian hockey if Gill was elected as president of the IHF."

"But the same player, later wrote to me, "It's nice that you had been elected. Shall I come over for an interview," he said, asking, "What can we do with such people?"

When journalists linked money with the performance of players, Gill shot back, "Do you think money will make players play better?" Only if you excel, will the money come. Any one who thinks that money will make a player play better is on the wrong side of the street."

"If anybody wants to make money by playing abroad, let them go. We're not stopping it. At the same time, they are still welcome to play for India," he said.

"Sports is a different kettle of fish... Sponsors will come only when we win matches. Not when we lose matches," Gill said.