New Delhi, July 18 (IANS): Hockey India (HI) Friday approved Kerala Hockey (KH) as its new associate member. The approval is subject to ratification by the HI Executive Board.
The decision to approve KH's application was taken after disaffiliating Hockey Kerala (HK) for irregularities in its functioning and not clarifying them within sufficient time.
HK was relegated to associate member by the HI disciplinary committee in May.
KH has HI president Mariamma Koshy as its president and Francis K. Paul as the general secretary.
“I am delighted to welcome Kerala Hockey as our new member. I am sure that Kerala Hockey will work diligently to revitalise the sport in the state and their induction in Hockey India will help in nurturing talent at grassroot level,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said.
HI currently has 25 permanent members, 21 associate members, two members through State Olympic Associations, six academy members and one 'Hoc-Key' member.