By IANS,
New Delhi : Indian hockey team’s sponsor Sahara has decided to release Rs.1 crore immediately in an effort to end the impasse between the players and Hockey India (HI). The impasse triggered by a pay dispute is threatening India’s participation in the World Cup which it is hosting next month.
Sahara India said in a statement that the money is being released for “distribution” among the players.
“In the interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Pariwar has decided to pay immediately Rs.1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution to the players so that they can return to practice and play for the country,” Abhijit Sarkar, head of corporate communications, said in the statement.
“Sahara has also paid Rs.77 lakh in December as advance for the quarter of January 15 to April 14. Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision for this amount,” the statement said.
The probables for next month’s World Cup have boycotted the national camp in Pune, protesting against the non-payment of their dues.