The forthcoming inter-club hockey players’ transfer became uncertain after six clubs remained adamant about not participating in any activities under the newly-elected body.
The player transfers are scheduled to be held from July 2-4, but Mohammedan SC, Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club, Wari Club, Bangladesh SC, Ajax Sporting Club and Dhaka Wanderers Club said they will be unable to participate in the changed circumstances.
The clubs took this position as the National Sports Council did not pay any heed to their demand of changing their five councillors for the election despite being assured by the Bangladesh Hockey Federation president Air Marshal Enamul Bari.
All five NSC councillors were former Abahani players who helped shift the balance of the election to the Abahani councillor Khaja Rahamatullah-led panel, which was eventually elected unopposed.
The six clubs backed Rahamatullah’s rival panel, who withdrew their nomination papers at the eleventh hour. While withdrawing their candidatures the clubs had said they would not participate in any activities under what they claimed a controversial committee.
The NSC was supposed to issue the circular regarding the BHF election on Thursday but delayed it for reasons unexplained to the elected officials, further complicating the things.
The players said they are concerned about the transfer as there is effectively no committee in the federation at the moment.
They have recently joined the Asia Cup conditioning camp following an assurance of the BHF president, but the situation changed dramatically leaving them dismayed.
Zahid Hossain, captain of the national team, expressed his frustration and was again looking to the BHF president for resolving the matter.
‘We are the victims of this current situation,’ Zahid told New Age. ‘The clubs and hockey organisers are fighting against each other and as a result we are suffering.
‘It will be difficult for us to survive if the player transfers do not take place timely,’ said the goalkeeper.
‘Before the Asia Cup camp started the president sir [BHF president] assured us that he will look after our interests so we are looking to him to solve the matter,’ he added.
-With New Age input
