shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Former federation secretary Jothikumaran planning return to hockey in elite fashion

Former federation secretary Jothikumaran planning return to hockey in ‘elite’ fashion

Updated on: 12 August,2023 07:08 AM IST  |  Chennai
Ashwin Ferro | ashwin.ferro@mid-day.com

Ex-IHF secretary general meets FIH president Ikram and AHF chief Ogura; discusses idea of setting up residential hockey schools across India

Former federation secretary Jothikumaran planning return to hockey in ‘elite’ fashion

Ex-IHF secretary general K Jothikumaran (right) with FIH chief Tayyab Ikram and AHF president Fumio Ogura (left) in Chennai yesterday

Former Indian Hockey Federation secretary general K Jothikumaran, who held office for a decade-and-a-half before quitting in 2008 after a sting operation alleged corruption, could soon be making a return to the game, albeit in a totally different capacity.


On Friday, he met with International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) president Fumio Ogura, where “hockey discussions were unavoidable though it was a strictly informal meeting,” Jothikumaran tells mid-day.


“Both Tayyab and Fumio are old friends of mine and we were catching up after a good 16 years, since the 2007 Asia Cup that was also held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here just like this Asian Champions Trophy,” adds Jothikumaran, 67, who has a real estate and restaurant business and is currently not associated with hockey in any way.


Also Read: Playing Asian Champions Trophy on Poligras turf will help teams at Paris Olympics: Krishan Bahadur Pathak

The national sport, however, remains close to Jothikumaran’s heart and he couldn’t help, but put forward a suggestion to the two prominent men in world hockey. “I suggested that we should have a series of elite residential hockey academies. This is not just in Chennai, but across India, where we can recruit players and help them get an education as well as train them in hockey. It will be a thoroughly professional set up. Both Tayyab and Fumio were very impressed with my idea and offered me their support,” reveals Jothikumaran.

Though there is no concrete plan just yet, he realises that the national federation, Hockey India, which replaced the erstwhile IHF, will need to be kept in the loop if and when his idea takes shape formally. “I’m ready for that too. 

I only have the good of the game at heart like I always did,” he added.  

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK