New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS): K.P.S Gill-led Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) Thursday "unanimously" resolved to merge, a move that will strengthen their claims to be the sole body for running the sport in the country.

The IHF and IWHF held their general body meetings and initiated the merger process by passing resolutions approving the merger. The merger will be formalised at the next meeting Sep. 9, making necessary amendments to then IHF constitution.

The sports ministry, which de-recognised Hockey India (HI) and re-recognised IHF, sent its observer for the meeting. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has disapproved the ministry's decision to de-recognise HI, which held its election Aug 5.

Many members who were present during the HI election Aug 5 were part of the meeting.

IHF president Gill said they will hold the election in October.

"The Special General Meeting was preceded by the executive committee meetings of the two federations. You can see some of the members whom you may have missed seeing in the hockey circles in the last couple of years," Gill told reporters.

"The main decision was to merge IWHF with IHF. IHF accepted the resolution passed by IWHF for the merger. To formalise the merger the IHF has to make certain amendments to its constitution. Once the amendments are carried out at the Sep 9 meeting, we can go ahead with the election by the first week of October.

"We have to give 21 day notice under the societies act and then amend the constitution."

Gill said till the time the election take place, the executive boards will jointly function and manage the affairs.

IWHF secretary general Amrit Bose said it it was a fruitful meeting.

"Now that the two general houses approved the merger, the IHF will run both the men's and women's hockey. Of the 33 IWHF units, 30 attended the meeting. IHF has 45 units and majority were present in the meeting.

"In the new executive board the ratio of men and women officials will be 60:40. The ratio is decided on the strength of the men and women."

Asked whether former player and Hockey Punjab general secretary Pargat Singh, who lost the HI election, is with IHF, Bose said: "He is with us. He met Gill yesterday and was scheduled to attend today's meeting, but could not make it because of preoccupation. We will also involve the former players in the elected federation. We will bring about an amendment to this effect.

Asked as to who would select the national team for international assignments like the Women's World Cup and Commonwealth Games till the election, Bose said: "The national team selected does not represent the IHF or HI, it represents India. HI in any case has declared itself a private body, it is a club.

The ministry has already written to the FIH that the Indian Olympic Association or the sports ministry should be allowed to select the team till an elected IHF is in place.