WOMEN’S HOCKEY TOURNEY Differing views on Indian withdrawal

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32587, 22 April 1971, Page 14

WOMEN’S HOCKEY TOURNEY Differing views on Indian withdrawal

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND. India has withdrawn from the women’s international hockey tournament in Auckland later this year. A hockey spokeswoman says the withdrawal is because of lack of money—but the Citizens’ Association for Racial Equality says it is in protest at apartheid in sport, because an all-white South African team has entered.

The president of the International Federation of Women’s Hockey Associations (Mrs A. Gooder), said < in Auckland today that the withdrawal had been made to the federation’s secretary in Britain. “I am not surprised India has pulled out,” she said. “It is short of money, which is the reason it has not competed in a tournament since 1956.

“I am quite certain it is not a protest at South Africa competing, because as far as I know India is still sending three delegates to the conference, which is being held

at the same time as the tournament, and is also hoping to send an umpire. “Other countries such as Trinidad, Zambia, and Jamaica are not competing but are sending delegates,” Mrs Gooder said. "Naturally, I am disappointed that India will not be competing but I am not surprised. It has always had trouble raising money.” TELEGRAM RECEIVED

The secretary of the Citizens’ Association for Racial Equality (Mr T. Newnham) said that he had received a telegram today from the press officer for the African National Congress and the South African Non-racial Open Committee (S.A.N.R.0.C.) in New Delhi. This said:

“Happy inform you All-India Women’s Hockey Association announced April 17 withdrawal Indian entry from August international women’s hockey tournament in line with Indian Government’s policy to condemn apartheid in sports.” Mr Newnham said he had had correspondence in the past from the sender of the telegram, a Mr Msimang. Mr Newnham was sure India would compete if a compromise could be found, and he had suggested that two South African teams be invited—a team representing the multi-racial body in South Africa, and the allwhite team. The best solution would be a mixed team, he said.

Mr Newnham has also sent a letter to the Prime Minis-

ter (Sir Keith Holyoake) asking the Government not to make Ardmore Teachers’ College available as accommodation for the South African team. Allowing the team to use a Government institution could be associated with support of apartheid in sport, Mr Newnham said.

India’s withdrawal brings the number of teams in the tournament to 16. There were plans to add a New Zealand 23-and-under team to avoid a bye but India’s withdrawal means this is unnecessary.

The tournament begins on August 21.