Image credit: Hockey India
NEW DELHI: Hockey India has called an emergent Executive Board meeting on September 18 to resolve differences among its top officials and discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League (HIL).
Tirkey had said the jersey change was made without his knowledge and without the consent of the Hockey India Executive Board. The meeting will also discuss plans to create an independent Governing Council for the struggling league.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and secretary Bhola Nath Singh have not been on the same page for some time following the controversy over the change in the Indian teams’ jersey colour from blue to saffron before the recently concluded FIH World Cup.
“On the advice/direction of the Hockey India President, Dr Dilip Tirkey, received via email dated 14.09.2026, the Emergent – 119th Executive Board Meeting of Hockey India will be held at 15:00 hrs on 18.09.2026 at the Hockey India Office, New Delhi,” Bhola Nath wrote in an email to Executive Board members. Following the controversy, Tirkey sent a show-cause notice to Hockey India Director General Cdr R K Srivastava and removed him from all his powers with immediate effect. The notice listed eight charges against Srivastava, with the jersey change being the most prominent. Tirkey gave Srivastava four weeks to submit his reply. The developments led to secretary Bhola Nath Singh calling the emergent Executive Board meeting.
Formation of HIL Pvt Ltd as a separate entity/company, with equity of 40:60 per cent equity of HIL and Franchise,” Bhola Nath wrote in his email. To discuss and approve the Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure account along with the Schedules and Notes to Accounts for the Financial Year 2025-2026.
“To finalise the date for the Hockey India Elections as per Hockey India Bye-Laws and to consider and approve the appointment of an Electoral Officer for conducting and supervising the said elections. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines “Place on record the legal notice dated 12.09.2026 and the contents thereof issued by the President to the Director General and Executive Committee Members, for discussion, deliberation, and decision,” the mail read. The future of the men’s and women’s Hockey India League will be one of the main topics of discussion at the meeting. A five-member panel has been tasked with proposing a governance and financial model. Franchise owners have also demanded a new governance structure for the HIL. They want a place in the decision-making process as they are unhappy with the way the league has been handled by the federation. “Discussion regarding restructuring of HIL with regard to HIL to be run as a joint venture along with Team Franchises. “Formation of New Governing Council of HIL with Chairman and two Members from Hockey India and two representatives from each franchise. This GC will govern the administration of HIL. The meeting will also discuss the possible dates for the Hockey India elections. Another agenda item will be the hosting of this year’s men’s and women’s Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament is set to be discussed in the context of venues in Punjab, including Jalandhar and Mohali, as well as Bhopal. The notice served to Srivastava by Tirkey through his lawyer will also be discussed at the meeting. Another charge mentioned in the notice relates to the alleged sharing of Hockey India information with the public. “Leakage of privileged and confidential information and records of Hockey India to the general public through Media/ Social Media or otherwise. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Tirkey and HIL franchise owners on Monday and asked them to prepare a roadmap for the league.