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National game has been maligned: Samajwadi Party

NEW DELHI: Members of Parliament on Tuesday demanded action against K. Jothikumaran, who took money allegedly for accommodating a hockey player in the team for the upcoming Azlan Shah tournament. He has since resigned as Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary.

Describing the episode as a national disgrace, the members suggested that the government be empowered to intervene in all sports organisations to check corruption.

A private news channel, in a ‘sting operation’, showed Mr. Jothikumaran accepting Rs. 2 lakh allegedly for including a player. The remaining Rs. 3 lakh was to be paid later. Mr. Jothikumaran has, however, denied the allegation, claiming that he negotiated a proposal to conduct an international tournament in India.

Raising the matter during a special mention in the Lok Sabha, Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP) said such incidents tarnished the image of the country, and suggested that criminal proceedings be initiated against Mr. Jothikumaran. The Indian Olympic Association should conduct an enquiry into the matter, he said.

Blaming India’s defeat in the recent Olympics qualifier on corruption, Yogi Adityanath (BJP) said the matter should be taken up seriously, as a player represented his country at events and not just himself. Similar sentiments were expressed by Devendra Prasad Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Suggesting legislation to empower the government to intervene in matters of Olympics, Mohan Singh of the Samajwadi Party said this measure would be helpful when there were serious allegations of corruption.

Mohammad Salim (CP-M) sought a statement from the Sports Minister.

In the Rajya Sabha, Shahid Siddiqui (SP) demanded dissolution of the IHF and immediate removal of K.P.S. Gill as its head. “Our national game has been maligned. If such things continue to happen in the world of sports, no youngster will enter competitive sports and India will continue to slip in the global sporting arena.”

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