Hockey India has branded Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) as ‘anti-national’ and accused the body of ‘sabotaging India’s chances to qualifying for next year’s Olympics.’

It accused IHF of wooing the players and officials to participate in the World Series Hockey (WSH) which will lead to slow-poisoning of the national game. Even though the event is not recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), IHF, in collaboration is all set to organise the multi-million dollar franchise-based WSH league across different cities of the country in December.

“We have learnt that a WSH League has been proposed to be conducted in India in December this year. This event promoted by IHF is unsanctioned by FIH and has serious implications for both players and officials who participate in this unsanctioned event,” HI said in a statement. The statement added that HI is planning a series of its own, which will be launched in 2013 under the aegis of the FIH.