Manipur's Ningombam becomes Hockey India president

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IMPHAL

Manipur's Gyanendro Ningombam was on Friday elected unopposed as the Hockey India (HI) president, taking over from Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad.

Ahmad was asked to demit office by the sports ministry for violating the National Sports Code's tenure guidelines.

Ahmad, however, remains in the federation after being elected unopposed for the senior vice-president's post at HI's Congress and Elections here.

Ningombam becomes the first President from the North East region to head HI.

He held the position of "officiating president" after Ahmad tendered his resignation in July citing personal and family commitments. He later accused the ministry of working with malafide intent by asking him to resign.

Ningombam has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Manipur Hockey between 2009-2014.

He has been actively involved, in developing hockey at the grassroots in the North East region.

During Ahmad's tenure, HI hosted several major international tournaments including the World Cup in 2018.

"I congratulate Mr Gyanendro Ningombam on being Elected Unopposed as the President of Hockey India and welcome Mr Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad back into the Hockey India Executive Board in a new capacity as the Senior Vice President," said HI secretary general Rajinder Singh.

"Planning for the upcoming year 2021 was another key discussion point, where the status of competitions for all 4 National teams were discussed," Singh said.

He said international exposure would be the key to Olympic success and the upcoming junior World Cups. (PTI)