Here's what's happening with the Kerala Hockey elections. It's been a rollercoaster, and the court has finally stepped in to set things straight.
Rajeev P.J, a former hockey player from Ernakulam, filed a complaint on November 25, 2025. He claims that the Kerala Hockey Governing Body is running things illegally. He wants the Kerala State Sports Council to redo the elections and address his complaints.
“The Kerala Hockey's Governing Body is functioning illegally and unfairly.”
Hockey India, a national sports group, supports the current Kerala Hockey elections. They say everything was done under their guidance. The Kerala State Sports Council also agrees, stating they approved the election held on May 15, 2022.
Several complaints were filed, including one by three hockey players asking for district and state level championships to continue despite the disputes. They argue that Kerala Hockey can't conduct championships without an official observer.
“The election conducted by the Kerala Hockey on 15.05.2022 is invalid.”
On October 18, 2024, the Kerala Government ordered an investigation into the elections. The report suggested dissolving the current committee led by V. Sunilkumar and holding new elections. It also recommended forming a Technical Committee to oversee hockey affairs in Kerala.
Justice N. Nagareesh delivered the decision. The court found that V. Sunilkumar was not eligible to be President because of past disqualifications. The court canceled the previous election approval and ordered new elections under a five-member committee, including a Hockey India representative.
“The approval granted on 02.07.2024 by the Standing Committee of the Kerala State Sports Council to the election is not justified.”
The Kerala State Sports Council has been directed to appoint a Technical Committee to protect players' interests until a new election is held. The court's decision aims to ensure fair play and transparency in Kerala Hockey's administration.
The court decided that the previous election was not valid and ordered new elections to be held under a committee's supervision.
