In a coup of sorts, the World Series Hockey, a joint initiative of Nimbus Sports and the Indian Hockey Federation, has roped in former FIH Competitions and Events Manager Dennis Meredith of Australia as its Technical Director.
It will be interesting to watch for the International Hockey Federation reactions to Meredith’s appointment. Actually, he is in a way still associated with the FIH as he is the Tournament Director for the Oceania Cup (The Oceania qualifying tournament for the Olympics). The tournament is in Hobart in early October this year.
Meredith, who played in 22 ties for Australia, was responsible for the coordination of the hockey events at the Athens and Beijing Olympics. In fact, the Australian could just become the bridge between the IHF and the FIH. He would be the voice of the World Series Hockey inside the FIH and one could see a change of stance towards the WSH.
His involvement with India has been over a long period of time - as an umpire, umpire coach, administrator etc. His experience would help the World Series Hockey establish itself as a world class league. The first edition of WSH is to be held in December- January.