Hockey India recognizes Hockey Association of Bihar as new member unit

In a positive development for the sport of Hockey in Bihar, Hockey India has decided to recognize the Hockey Association of Bihar as the official member unit of the state.

Recently, the previous working body Hockey Bihar was disaffiliated by Hockey India, the governing body of the sport in the country, for lack of accountability from the body.

Following the suspension of Hockey Bihar, the new body reached out to Hockey India claiming the vacant spot. And after verifying the details and the candidature, Hockey India has asked the Hockey Association of Bihar in a letter to provide the documents to complete the formalities.

"Yes, there is a new body in Bihar that has approached Hockey India and the approval has come from Hockey India. They just need to submit the documents to complete the formality," an official close to the development told The Bridge on the condition of anonymity.

The official also confirmed that after Hockey Bihar was disaffiliated, the Hockey Association of Bihar approached the apex governing body with their candidature backed by the Bihar State Sports Authority.

The affiliation means that the sport of Hockey will have something to look up to in the state after a lack of activities from the previous body.

The state recently successfully conducted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy hosting six teams but the absence of Hockey Bihar officials was appalling.

Bihar State Sports Authority oversaw the hosting of the tournament and is expected to be involved when the Men's Asia Cup comes to the state later this year in September.

Rana Pratap Singh will be the secretary of the new body while Bihar government Minister Shravan Kumar will serve as the President.

The news of a new body has sparked hopes among hockey lovers and players in the state.

"We wanted the previous body to go for a very long time. There was no accountability and they did nothing for the development of the sport in the state," a former player of Bihar Hockey team told this publication.

"As the state has successfully conducted the first-ever International tournament, I am looking forward how does the new body contributes to the development of the grassroots of hockey in the state," he added further.