This is not correct. We remain united in working together: Hockey India rejects allegations of factionalism and differences

Hockey India has rejected former CEO Elena Norman's allegations of factionalism and internal differences. Federation President Dilip Tirkey and General Secretary Bholanath Singh released a joint statement on Wednesday.

Also Read: Hockey India CEO Elena Norman steps down from her post

In the statement issued by Hockey India, the President and General Secretary said, "Recently there have been statements by outgoing officials published in the media, claiming that there are divisions within the organization. This is not correct. We remain united in working together, and as always in the best interest of the sport."

"Hockey India is an autonomous and professional body dedicated to the development of Indian Hockey. Our primary objective as an organisation has been and continues to remain the welfare and progress of the sport of Hockey and our athletes," the press release further said.

A day ago, Hockey India CEO Elena Norman had resigned from her post. She was associated with Indian hockey for 13 years. Norman revealed the factionalism in the federation, saying that it was difficult for her to work there and she had no option but to leave it. "There are two factions in Hockey India. There is (President) Dilip Tirkey and I and there is (Secretary) Bholanath Singh, (Executive Director) Cdr. R K Srivastava and (Treasurer) Sekar J Manoharan," Elena said.

Earlier, women's hockey team coach Janneke Schopman had also resigned alleging biased attitude and lack of respect towards women's hockey. Shopman stepped down after the Indian women's hockey team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Also Read: I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don't feel that here: Janneke Schopman

"The Federation has treated the teams and all players equally with equal benefits and training facilities, including cash awards and monetary recognition that is at-par and is purely based on performance. We have built our ethos around equity and equal opportunities right from the grassroots levels across states as well as on a national level," the press release said.

Tirkey and Bholanath Singh said their focus is now on rebuilding the women's team, which failed to qualify for the Olympics, and helping the men's side that is due to compete in the quadrennial showpiece in Paris this year. "We will continue in this pursuit of excellence and rebuild the women's team with a fresh approach to providing the right infrastructure and training to enhance their performance," they stated.