Former India captain Dilip Tirkey, who is the frontrunner for Hockey India president's post, will be up against Uttar Pradesh Hockey chief Rakesh Katyal and Hockey Jharkhand's Bhola Nath Singh in the elections of the national federation to be held on October 1.
But there is a twist in the tale as Uttar Pradesh Hockey secretary general RP Singh has requested Katyal to withdraw his nomination and support Tirkey instead.
"We are happy to know that a former player like Dilip Tirkey has filed his nomination for president. I request Mr Rakesh to take back his nomination. I am sure that Mr. Rakesh will think about the development and growth of hockey and take back his nomination," Singh wrote in his letter to Katyal.
"We believe Dilip will take right steps towards the development of hockey and we wish him luck."
Katyal, however, said that he is yet to take a call on whether to contest or not.
"I have filed my nomination letter for president's post. Yes, I got a request to withdraw my nomination but I have not made up my mind yet. As of now I am in the race but if things work out between all parties, I might as well withdraw," he said.