Tirkey slams Hockey India DG, seeks detailed response on jersey change queries

The jersey controversy in Indian hockey has now developed into a full-blown internal battle with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey taking strong exception to the less-than-satisfactory response on his notice seeking details on the uniform change.

Tirkey had earlier sought an explanation on the process and basis for the change in the national team’s playing colours from HI Director General Cdr. R.K. Srivastava, who had claimed that such operational decisions were not brought before the Executive Board earlier as well. Tirkey has now shot back and, on Monday, directed Srivastava to file a point-by-point response to the objections raised in a fresh mail addressed to all EB members, a copy of which is with The Hindu.

Declaring that “Hockey India does not own Indian hockey. We are trustees and custodians of a national sporting legacy,” he directed Srivastava to respond latest by Tuesday, adding that “A response consisting only of general explanations or assertions without supporting documentary evidence will not enable the Executive Board to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”

“At the outset, I wish to make it clear that the issue under consideration is not merely the colour or design of a jersey. The matter concerns the decision-making process adopted for a change involving one of the most recognisable symbols of Indian hockey, the authority under which such a decision was taken, the consultations undertaken, compliance with Hockey India’s governance framework, and whether appropriate institutional processes were followed,” he wrote.

Tirkey sought individual, detailed responses on every point made by Srivastava in his original response. “The Executive Board includes several distinguished former international players and Olympians who have represented India at the highest level. Their understanding of high performance comes from first-hand experience of the realities of international competition.

“In this regard, please clarify whether the potential impact of the change on athlete’s preparation, confidence, comfort, mental focus and competition readiness was assessed.

“Further, members of the men’s national team were required to address questions relating to the jersey change in the media immediately before the World Cup. Please clarify whether the possible impact of this situation on athlete’s focus, mental preparation and tournament readiness was assessed before the public announcement.”

Tirkey asked Srivastava to provide the specific authority, approval or delegation under which the decision to change the official jersey was taken, timeline of the change, names, designations and roles of every person involved in the process and copies of all internal correspondence relating to the decision.

He has also asked for details of the players and team staff consulted, the feedback and documentary evidence of the same and details of any testing conducted before the kit was officially introduced and also details of the entire designing, manufacturing and delivery process.

The mail also aims to mark clear boundaries in the roles and powers of the elected members of the federation and appointed employees. “The Hockey India Bye-Laws establish a governance structure under which the elected bodies of Hockey India are responsible for the governance, policy direction and oversight of the Federation. The Director General has an important executive and administrative role in managing the affairs of Hockey India and implementing approved decisions. However, administrative responsibility cannot be interpreted as replacing or overriding the authority of the elected governance bodies,” he wrote.

The change of Indian team’s jersey colour to saffron has triggered a backlash with not just fans and former players questioning both the process and timing of the decision without being consulted.