By IANS,
New Delhi: Hockey India (HI) president and 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) treasurer Ashok Kumar Mattoo Sunday said he had resigned from all his posts as he was upset over being blamed for the players’ boycott of the national camp.
Mattoo, who failed to solve the crisis of a payment row with the players that was threatening India’s preparation for next month’s World Cup, said he was unhappy with the way he was being blamed for the entire controversy.
Organising Committee spokesperson Lalit Bhanot said that a decision on Mattoo’s resignation will be taken by OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi Monday.
Matoo said he had submitted his resignation to Kalmadi.
“I am upset with whatever happened over the past few weeks and I have resigned as the president of Hockey India (HI) and other federations that I was part of,” Mattoo said.
“I don’t want to take any names but I was not happy with the way Hockey India was being blamed for no reason,” he added.
“I hope that the players will show the same energy on the field like they did while fighting for their dues.”
HI was under serious attack and questions were raised about its accountabiliy after the revolt by the players, who were demanding their outstadning payment and bonuses from the national federation. The players went on a strike for six days and it was only after the intervention of Kalmadi that they decided to rejoin the camp.
HI’s election process is also under the scanner and the polls, after being postponed twice, are scheduled to be held on Feb 7.
Mattoo said that the election will be held on time.
“The election process is on the right path and there are very capable administrators in the Organising Committee. Everything is on track. Now I want to lead a retired life,” said Mattoo, who is also the treasurer of Indian Olympic Association.