Koshy takes over as HI chief

Mariamma Koshy on Friday took over as the new president of Hockey India (HI), replacing previous incumbent Narinder Batra who has been appointed as the chief of the game's world governing body FIH.

The HI's executive board, which met here on Friday, also appointed Secretary General Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad as the chairman of the Hockey India League's (HIL) governing board.

The HI executive board's decisions came after Batra stepped down as HI chief following his recent election as the new president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The decisions will require ratification in the Hockey India congress to be held soon.

Batra served as the HI's Secretary General from 2010 to 2014 and was its president since 2014. Batra also resigned his role as the chairman of HIL.

"It gives me a great sense of achievement to see the independent development of Hockey India as a governing body for the sport. The organisation has been and will continue to be run by professionals headed by CEO Elena Norman and having Mariamma Koshy as its new president," Batra said in a statement.

"I am sure we will reach new heights of success in popularizing the sport in India as I take on the mantle to do the same on a global level."

Earlier this month, Batra became the first non-European to be elected FIH president. He is the 15th president of the game's world governing body.

It is also the first time an Indian has headed an international Olympic sports governing body.

--IANS

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