New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India trashed a PIL filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari that sought directions to the Union of India and other concerned organisations to recognise hockey as the national sport of India.
The top court bench headed by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, and also chaired by Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi, delivered the verdict.
“If the country can have a national animal, then why can’t the country have its national game,” the petitioner said. The plea urged the top court to issue orders to the government for the development of Athletic Games and Sports, and provide advanced training and funds to the players, reported LiveLaw.
“While India is a superpower in Cricket and produces some of the brightest minds and leaders, it struggles in other areas. In the shadow of Cricket, the game of hockey has lost its popularity in light of lack of initiatives and support from UOI,” added the petition.
“There should be a drive within people. Players like Mary Kom rise above all adversities. The court cannot do anything,” the top court’s bench expressed its disagreement with the petition.
“We won’t be able to do anything. You may withdraw the petition, or we will dismiss it,” the bench said expressing its disinclination to entertain the petition. The PIL was eventually withdrawn by Tiwari.
