New Delhi, September 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Hockey India Director General Cdr RK Srivastava, issuing him a show-cause notice and directing him to immediately cease discharging his duties.
The notice accuses Srivastava of several instances of alleged dereliction of duty and wilful disobedience, including an “arbitrary” decision to change the national team’s jersey without prior consultation or clearance ahead of the World Cup.
“In the interest of maintaining discipline, accountability and the smooth functioning of Hockey India, we hereby inform you that, with immediate effect, all your powers as Director General of Hockey India cease, and you shall not exercise any authority or act on behalf of Hockey India pending further decision in accordance with the Hockey India Bye-Laws,” the notice said.
Srivastava has also been directed to hand over complete operational charge, along with official records, documents, files, access credentials, assets and pending matters, to an officer or person designated in writing by the President’s Office.
The immediate trigger for the action was reportedly the decision to alter the colours of the Indian teams’ jerseys and Srivastava’s travel to the World Cup despite explicit and repeated directions from Tirkey not to do so.
The HI President had instead approved Subhadra Pradhan, Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh as selectors and junior coaches for the World Cup travel, though the notice states that none of them had been informed.
The notice also alleged that Srivastava had taken arbitrary decisions concerning franchise coordination and priority work related to the Hockey India League.
“The non-compliance on your part was a direct insult to, and disobedience of, the office of the President, Hockey India,” it stated.
Among the other allegations are failure to carry out directed disciplinary action against Hockey India’s contracted public relations agency; failure to submit proof of action taken against players and chief coach Craig Fulton following reports of misdemeanour during last December’s South African tour; and non-availability on record of proceedings and the report of the internal/POSH committee concerning allegations against Vikram Pal.
The notice further accused Srivastava of withholding communications from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and national federations.
The disciplinary proceedings will now proceed in accordance with the Hockey India Bye-Laws.
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