Hockey India suspends Hockey Bihar for lack of accountability

In a surprising move, Hockey India has suspended the Bihar unit of the body via a letter on Thursday.

The move comes as a shocker after the state recently successfully conducted its first-ever International tournament. Bihar hosted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in November at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium.

The disaffiliation comes after Hockey Bihar failed to reply to a show cause notice issued by Hockey India on 12th December 2024.

In a letter addressed to Hockey Bihar, Hockey India confirmed the disaffiliation and listed the major reasons behind the decision.

The letter stated, "Recently, Hockey India received a letter via email dated 04 December 2024 sent by the President, of Hockey Bihar addressed to Hockey India wherein grave allegations relating to malfunctioning and non-cooperation amongst the office bearers in Hockey Bihar had been alleged."

"Attention was drawn towards the recently held Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 at "Rajgir" Bihar and it had been inter alia alleged that despite specific instructions given by the President of Hockey Bihar, the General Secretary of Hockey Bihar neither met the officials of Bihar Government nor with the officials of Hockey India in connection with the said tournament although the said tournament was being held in the state of the Member Unit, which shows that Hockey Bihar is not interested in promoting game of Hockey. It has also been alleged that Hockey Bihar has completely failed to further the aims and objectives of Hockey India and to protect the interest in the game of Hockey," the letter states further.

Hockey India sent a show cause notice and demanded an explanation from Hockey Bihar and took the decision to suspend them after the body failed to furnish any reply.

The sport of Hockey had found a new fan following in the state after the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and would have only grown with the Men's Asia Cup slated for later in the year.

However, the disaffiliation of Hockey Bihar leaves a gap in the state for the sport of the hockey.