Bhubaneswar: Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to the Hockey Association of Odisha (HAO), proposing its reclassification from a Permanent Member to an Associate Member due to major non-compliance with governing bye-laws.
The move follows a decision taken during Hockey India’s Executive Committee meeting on October 6, prompted by an adverse report from the Electoral Officer that had already stalled HAO’s scheduled October 3 elections.
Hockey India cited eight grounds of concern, highlighting a severe lack of democratic governance across HAO’s 30 district units. Notably, in every district, key posts like President and Secretary are held ex officio by administrative officers, such as District Magistrates and Sub-Collectors, rather than elected members. Furthermore, none of the 30 units produced election notices, minutes, or results to prove their governing bodies were legitimately constituted, preventing the finalisation of the electoral roll.
HAO has been given two weeks to submit comprehensive documentation, including proof of elections and statutory authorisations. Failure to comply could trigger formal reclassification via the Affiliation Committee and General Body. Meanwhile, Hockey Odisha General Secretary Pratap Satpathy welcomed the action, urging the Chief Minister to intervene and restore transparent administration to state hockey.
