Hockey India Can’t Unilaterally Pull Out of CWG, Must Consult with Government: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday got here arduous on Hockey India for unilaterally deciding to tug out of subsequent 12 months’s Commonwealth Games, saying the nationwide federation is sure to seek the advice of with the federal government earlier than taking any such step. Thakur mentioned being the primary financier of Olympic sports activities within the nation, the federal government has each proper to take name on issues of nationwide illustration. “I believe any federation ought to chorus from giving such statements and focus on with the federal government first as a result of its simply not federation’s group, its nationwide group,” he told reporters.

“In a country of 130 crore population, there are not just 18 players to represent country. It (CWG) is a global event I feel that they (Hockey India) should engage with government and concerned department. The decision will be taken by the government.” Thakur’s robust assertion got here after Hockey India on Tuesday pulled out of subsequent 12 months’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games, citing COVID-19 issues and UK’s discriminatory quarantine guidelines for travellers from the nation. HI additionally reasoned that there’s solely a 32-day window accessible between the Birmingham Games (July 28-August 8) and the Hangzhou Asian Games (September 10-25), which is a direct qualifier for 2024 Paris Olympics. The minister mentioned there isn’t a dearth of hockey expertise within the nation and citing the instance of cricket added that taking part in back-to-back tournaments are nothing new for skilled sportspersons.