There was a buzz of controversy ahead of the India-New Zealand match during the Hockey World League Final on Saturday.
Lalit Bhanot, secretary of the suspended Indian Olympic Association and one of the key officials whose presence has been objected to by the International Olympic Committee, was introduced as the chief guest for the game.
Bhanot is also the secretary of the Delhi Olympic Association and has been charged of corruption during the CWG.
Asked about it, Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra defended the decision.
“He is my friend and someone who has been associated with Indian sports for a long time. I don’t there is any controversy and if anyone thinks there is, it is their wish. I do not wish to say anything else,” Batra said.
