Shillong: Hockey India is in chaos. President Dilip Tirkey and secretary Bhola Nath Singh are locked in a power struggle, stalling the federation’s attempts to restructure the Hockey India League. The conflict exploded after the national team’s jersey color shifted from blue to saffron without board approval.
Tirkey responded by stripping Director General Cdr R K Srivastava of his powers. He issued eight charges against the official, giving him four weeks to answer. The situation remains volatile. Secretary Singh attempted to call an emergency meeting for September 18 at 15:00 hours in New Delhi. Tirkey blocked the move immediately.
Citing clause 16.4.2 of the by-laws approved on June 20, 2026, Tirkey told the board only the president can call such sessions. He warned the secretary to stop creating confusion. “Once again, I request you to refrain from disobeying the Chair of President Hockey India and instead spreading your own decisions and judgments to the other members and creating confusion,” Tirkey wrote.
The board needs to resolve the league's future. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently pressed Tirkey and franchise owners to build a new financial model. Owners want more control over the league. They proposed creating HIL Pvt Ltd with a 40:60 equity split between the federation and franchises. They also want a new Governing Council that includes two representatives from every franchise.
Other items on the agenda include planning for the men’s and women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar, Mohali, and Bhopal. The board must also set dates for the next Hockey India elections and review the legal notice sent to Srivastava.
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