MUMBAI: The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the decision of the Indian Olympic Association?s special committee to recognise Hockey India as the national governing body for the game.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought responses from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, IOA, HI and International Hockey Federation on the IHF?s plea within two weeks and fixed the matter for hearing on 18 October. The court has said that the status quo, prevailing before Hockey India was declared as central body for hockey in the country, be maintained.

The impugned order passed by the IOA is clearly premeditated having already formed an opinion regarding the endorsement to be made in favour of the HI as regards the sole governing body in India, IHF said.

The impugned order passed is blatantly illegal and without jurisdiction because the Special Committee was formed by the IOA at the asking of the Respondent (International Hockey Federation) to decide the central authority governing the sport of hockey in India, the IHF said in its plea.