Row over the selection panel of in-dispute Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) seems to be not ending anytime soon. Hockey India (HI) has refused to permit the team selected by Vivek Siria led panel to participate in the Sub Junior Hockey National Championship (B division) scheduled to be held from June 17-29 in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
Jolted with the decision, the Siria-led panel has filed a plea in the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court. The writ petition has been filed by Siria, convener Ravi James and member of the selection panel Roshni Kupale.
The dispute over selection is not new. Earlier during girls nationals to a similar issue had occurred. However, after HC interference the Hockey India had allowed the team selected by Siria led panel.
For the upcoming boys tournament both Siria and other faction led by Gavai and Jain have sent their teams. Gavai panel had informed the Hockey India that their panel was legal and team sent by them should be permitted to play in the tournament.
Siria panel had sent names of 17 players and seven as reserved. This team was not permitted by Hockey India. Claiming that the decision was not justified Siria and others have filed a petition in the high court.
A bench of Justice Ravi Deshpande and Justice Vinay Joshi started hearing on both the petitions on Friday. The next hearing will take place on Monday.
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