New Delhi: Post disaffiliating Hockey Kerala, Hockey India on Friday announced the approval of Kerala Hockey as its new Associate Member. The approval is subject to ratification by the Hockey India Executive Board.


The decision to approve the application of Kerala Hockey for the state was taken post disaffiliating Hockey Kerala for irregularities in its functioning and not clarifying them within sufficient time. Hockey Kerala was earlier relegated to Associate Member category by Hockey India Disciplinary Committee in May this year.


The new body Kerala Hockey has Hockey India President Ms. Mariamma Koshy as its President and Mr. Francis K Paul as the General Secretary.


Speaking on the newly formed Kerala Hockey, Hockey India Secretary General Dr. Narinder Batra said, “I am delighted to welcome Kerala Hockey as our new member. I am sure that Kerala Hockey will work diligently to revitalize the sport in the state and their induction in Hockey India will help in nurturing talent at grass root level”.


Hockey India currently has 25 Permanent Members, 21 Associate Members, 2 Members through State Olympic Associations, 6 Academy Members and 1 Hoc-Key Member.