Thriving and dead orgns cannot function together: Hockey Manipur secretary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 18 2025: Secretary of Hockey Manipur Th Manihar has categorically stated that a thriving organisation and a dead body cannot function together while referring to a call for unification of two bodies - Hockey Manipur and Manipur Hockey.

Addressing the media during a press conference held at the Hockey Stadium in Khuman Lampak, Manipur, Manihar highlighted that the Manipur Hockey Association and Manipur Women's Hockey Association served as the governing bodies for hockey in the State until 2009.These two bodies merged to form Hockey Manipur on June 28, in accordance with Indian Olympic Association guidelines.

However, on the same day, the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) circulated a notification, allegedly in "collusion with an Olympian", to discuss control over the sport in the State.

Despite the matter remaining inconclusive, the MOA forcefully formed an ad-hoc committee, he said.

Despite strong pressure on the Indian Olympic Association and appeal to MOA to arbitrate on the matter, Hockey Manipur was sidelined, he said.

After almost a month of the formation of Hockey Manipur, it was announced that a new body-Manipur Hockey was formed and was affiliated with the National federation- Hockey India with the help of MOA.

The move not only poured cold water on the hard works of many hockey activists that led to the production of many renowned hockey players in the region, but also rendered Hockey Manipur toothless, he said.

To fight the injustice, Hockey Manipur fought a 15-year legal battle against Manipur Hockey, ultimately receiving a favorable verdict from the High Court of Manipur and the Guwahati High Court's Double Bench.

The Registrar of Societies also ordered Manipur Hockey's deregistration following the same, he added.

Notwithstanding the developments, the MOA continues to remain a mute spectator over the matter, he said while questioning the deregistered body's continued existence.

Also referring to the news being circulated that "some bodies" are organising a sit-in demanding the unification of the bodies on August 19, he said that a living and legit organisation and a dead organisation cannot function together.

It is time for "conducting last rites of the dead body", he added.

Questioning the time and the motive behind the planned sit-in by some bodies while they have remained silent for almost 15 years, Manipur also urged to now join and support the legitimate controlling body of hockey in the State and do away with the deregistered body.

He also went on to highlight the likely difficulties State hockey players may face if they continue to associate with the deregistered body.

The press conference was also attended by key functionaries of Hockey Manipur.

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