Narinder Batra resigns as president of Hockey Federation

By Bibhu Ray

(The Quiver) : Veteran sports administration Narinder Batra, resigned as International Hockey Federation (FIH) President and International Olympic Committee member on Monday (IOC). In March this year, Batra had stepped down as the President of the Indian Olympic Association and confirmed that he would not be running for the position again.
Batra was the subject of a preliminary investigation by the CBI on allegations of misappropriation of INR 35 lakh from Hockey India funds.
After receiving a complaint against Batra, the central investigation agency launched a preliminary investigation, which is the first stage to establish prima facie criminality.
“At the time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockey5s, the creation of new competitions this year the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and the launch of fan-engaging platforms and activities, my role as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requires more time for all these activities,” Batra said in a statement earlier this year.
As a result, I’ve decided not to run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). I believe the time has come for me to hand over this position to someone who would bring new ideas and a fresh perspective in order to elevate Indian sports to even greater heights to secure the 2036 Summer Olympics in 2026.
In three separate letters, Batra officially tendered his resignations from the IOA, IOC and FIH respectively.
“It’s been a privilege and tremendous honour to serve in my capacity as President of IOA throughout my term, I’ve been guided by one goal only: the development and improvement of Indian sport. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’ve supported me in the last 4 years. And I wish my successor and the whole sports family in India every success in the future!”