The new name of the Indian Hockey Confederation (IHC) is Hockey India and it will be the sole governing body for hockey (men and women) in India. This was decided during a recent meeting of representatives of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) headed by President Suresh Kalmadi as well as those from FIH headed by President Ms Els van Breda Vriesman. They also decided that the 2010 World Cup men’s hockey championship will be held in Delhi. ‘The IOA has agreed in principle to have Hockey India as a symbolic gesture to look ahead for a bright future,’ remarked FIH President, Ms Vriesman.

Ms Vriesman further added that the official confirmation regarding these decisions would be made in November this year during the IOA general assembly. Ms Vriesman said that rather than looking back, this development should be seen as a new beginning and an indication of the bright future ahead. The FIH President, however, did admit that she was dissatisfied with the recent developments in Indian hockey. It was also underscored that any profit generated out of hosting the World Cup would be invested in promoting the game. ‘The World Cup will be a joint-venture between IOA and the FIH,’ Ms Vriesman added.