Keep hockey on priority list: IOA

New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) Criticising the Sports Ministry's downgrading of hockey to the 'General' games category, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today demanded that the 'National Game' be put back on the 'Priority' list.

''We are surprised to know that Sports Ministry has removed hockey from the priority games list,'' IOA senior vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra told UNI.

''It (Hockey) is our National Game and should be given its due.'' he said.

Prof Malhotra was of the view that by downgrading hockey, the ministry will further destroy the game which is already suffering due to lack of sponsors.

''The sports which is not on the priority list of the ministry does not get enough foreign exposure,'' he said, adding ''With Olympic Games only a year away and India needing to qualify for that, hockey team will need more foreign exposure before taking part in the qualifying tournament.'' Prof Malhotra also demanded all the disciplines included in the 2010 Commonwealth Games be accorded priority status irrespective of their standard.

''If we are aiming for a big medal haul in the Games then all disciplines be put on the priority list so that they get enough money and foreign exposure.

''In case the ministry does not show any urgency by including these disciplines on the priority list, then it should also reduce its expectations from the sportspersons in the Games,'' he added.

UNI