Narinder Batra was re-elected for second consecutive term as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after edging Marc Coudron in a closely-fought election at online Congress.
Batra a vetran sports administor is also the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.
Hockey India today congratulated Narinder Batra who acheived yet another historic milestone for Indian sport. Batra became the first Indian to be elected as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the second consecutive term at the 47th FIH Congress on Saturday. His victory was basis a largely unanimous decision, Batra secured 63 votes out of 124 to edge past tough opponent in BelgiumтАЩs Marc Coudron, the only other candidate for the FIH Presidency at the Congress.
In 2016, Dr Batra who was then an Executive Board Member of FIH as well as the Vice-President of the Asian Hockey Federation, became the first Indian to head a global sports governing body when he replaced outgoing FIH President Leandro Negre, for a four-year term. With him being re-elected for the top post, Dr Batra will continue to serve as President of FIH till 2024.
During the congress applications for membership from three National Associations, with Timor Leste Hockey Federation, Hockey Association of Gambia and Saudi Arabian Hockey Federation was approved.
Further, some amendments to the FIH statutes were also ratified by members, including the use of gender-neutral terms.
Taking note of the global trend of e-sports and in anticipation of future virtual competitions or activities, e-games were also added to FIH’s statutes in order to extend its purpose and powers.
Congratulations to Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra for being re-elected as FIH President. pic.twitter.com/QqWwbrrNqx
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) May 22, 2021
