Lucknow-based Hockey India Director General recognised at 50th FIH Congress in Doha
Lucknow: Commander R.K. Srivastava, Director General of Hockey India, has been conferred the prestigious FIH Order of Merit at the 50th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) held in Doha, Qatar. FIH President Tayyab Ikram presented the honour in recognition of Srivastava’s dedication to hockey and his significant contributions to the sport in India and internationally. Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh and other international hockey representatives were present on the occasion.
The FIH Order of Merit recognises individuals who have rendered distinguished service to hockey for at least 10 years or made exceptional contributions to the development of international hockey.
A Lucknow resident, Commander Srivastava has played an important role in organising several major international hockey tournaments. He was associated with the organising committees of the Men’s Hockey World Cups held in 2010, 2018 and 2023, as well as the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cups in 2016, 2021 and 2025. He has also contributed to the successful organisation of several Asian and other FIH international competitions.
His contributions to sports administration have earned him recognition at national and international levels. In 2007, he received a President’s Award for exemplary conduct during the fourth CISM Military World Games held in Hyderabad and Mumbai. He also served as India’s representative to the International Military Sports Council (CISM) for four years.
Commander Srivastava was a member of the Armed Forces Task Force involved in organising the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. He subsequently served as Deputy Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and the fifth CISM Military World Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He also led the Indian Military Skydiving Team as Chef de Mission at the Military World Skydiving Championship in Buochs, Switzerland.
Reacting to the honour, Commander Srivastava said receiving the FIH Order of Merit was a matter of immense pride. He expressed gratitude to the International Hockey Federation and its president, Tayyab Ikram, for the recognition. He described the award as the outcome of the collective efforts of everyone working to strengthen and promote hockey and dedicated the achievement to all those who had been part of his journey. He also thanked Hockey India for providing him with the opportunity to serve the sport.
Congratulating him, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said the recognition was a matter of pride for the organisation, acknowledging Srivastava’s dedication to hockey and his contributions to Indian and international sport. He wished him continued success in his future endeavours.
Dr R.P. Singh, chief selector of the Indian hockey team and president of Hockey Uttar Pradesh, also congratulated Commander Srivastava on the prestigious achievement.
The honour at the 50th FIH Congress recognises Commander Srivastava’s longstanding service to hockey and highlights the contribution of Indian sports administrators to the development of the game globally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
