A major controversy has arisen in the sports administration of Odisha, which is the nursery and main sponsor state of Indian hockey. The national sports federation 'Hockey India' has issued a serious show-cause notice to the Hockey Association of Odisha (HAO). Citing gross violations of the bye-laws of the national body, lack of transparency and serious irregularities in the election process within the state, the notice asks why the 'Permanent Membership' of the Odisha Association should not be taken away and converted into a mere 'Associate Member'. If the membership is demoted, the Odisha union may lose its permanent say in the key decisions and voting process of the national federation.

This entire controversy became public when the much-awaited Hockey Association of Odisha elections scheduled for October 3, 2026 were suddenly stopped after the adverse and unsatisfactory report of the Electoral Officer. Soon after this, an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of Hockey India was called, in which strong objection was expressed to the blatant disregard for rules in the election process and a unanimous decision was taken to send a formal show cause notice.

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  Questions on validity of formation of 30 district units: Hockey India in its investigation found that none of the district units in the 30 districts of Odisha had submitted their local election notices, official meeting proceedings or mandatory documents to the results. In such a situation, it could not be proved whether the district level committees were formed through a legitimate and democratic process or whether they were formed only on paper.

  
  


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  Non-preparation of final electoral roll: Due to non-availability of certified records of the district unions, the final voter list of valid voters for the state elections could not be prepared within the stipulated time. The federation considered the attempt to conduct elections without a verified voter list as a flagrant violation of the rules.

  
  


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  Ignoring Hockey India's by-laws and playing code: Under the constitution of the national federation and the National Sports Development Code, it is mandatory for state associations to have a transparent election process at all their levels and timely submission of audited documents, in which the Odisha association failed.

  
  


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  Answers were sought on a total of 8 major points: Hockey India, in its detailed notice, has lodged serious objections on a total of 8 main points regarding the functioning of the Odisha Association and has sought detailed clarification.

  
  

Hockey India has directed the Hockey Association of Odisha to provide factual answers to all these objections and to produce necessary statutory approvals and election proof of the district units. two weeks (14 days) time Has given. If satisfactory documents are not produced within the stipulated time, the matter will be referred to the 'Affiliation Committee' of Hockey India. After this, by bringing a formal proposal in the General Body of the federation, Odisha will be removed from the permanent membership and made an associate member.

Meanwhile, Hockey Odisha General Secretary Pratap Satpathy has welcomed this strict step by Hockey India and has also urged the state government to intervene to ensure transparent and fair administration of hockey in the state.