Mumbai, January 21: International hockey federation (FIH) chief Leandro Negre today expressed his gratitude to Sahara India chairman Subrata Roy Sahara for coming to Hockey India’s rescue and resolving the pay dispute that threatened India’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Delhi.
“I am delighted to meet the man who has been pillar of strength for Indian hockey since early 2000. I have conveyed my thanks for his whole hearted voluntary support to resolve the hockey dispute between the players and Hockey India that led to stalemate activities of hockey in India,” said Negre after his meeting with Roy here, a release said.
Sahara India disbursed Rs one crore to the national team players who were agitating in Pune and refusing to continue their preparations in the camp for the February 28-March 13 World Cup unless pending dues were paid to them.
—Agencies