The Hockey India President is up against Australia’s Ken Read and Ireland’s David Balbirnie in the race to replace the outgoing Leandro Negre, with the Spaniard’s term in office coming to an end after eight years in the role.

Batra is the brainchild of the Hockey India League (HIL), now approaching its fifth season, with his vision to bring together the best of hockey from across the world to give the right kind of exposure to players as well as fans.

As HIL chairman, Batra carries the responsibility for providing a sustainable competitive structure that feeds into the development of hockey.

Batra has long been a member of the FIH having previously been on the Competitions Committee, and is currently serving on the Executive Board.

He has also worked closely with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and was instrumental in the body being reinstated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2014.

The IOA was suspended in 2012 for what the IOC described as chronic violations of the Olympic Charter and internal corruption.

An ability to effectively talk to and manage multiple stakeholders is a quality Batra feels he possesses as he bids for the FIH Presidency. 

"As President of Hockey India and chairman of the Hockey India League, I have to deal with all levels of stakeholders," he said.

"In addition, Hockey India and Hockey India League hold regular meetings with all our partners, whether they are our members, sponsors, franchises, vendors, press, media, politicians or bureaucratic establishments.

"Hockey is without doubt, along with my family, one of my strongest passions.

"If elected President, my vision is not only to grow the number of countries that play hockey but also to ensure that more countries are competitive and the best of the sport is showcased."

Batra has been an office bearer of Hockey India since he took up the post of treasurer in 2009. 

He became the secretary general the following year and was elected as President in 2014.

India has a long and proud tradition within hockey and, with eight Olympic titles to its name, the South Asian nation’s men’s team remains the most successful to compete at the Games.

Batra acknowledges the challenges of running hockey in a country where it is the national sport.

"It is an extremely complex environment that requires management of many stakeholders," he said.

"In my role as secretary general and President of Hockey India, I have had to provide strong leadership to ensure the growth of the sport."

Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, the secretary general of Hockey India, believes much of the recent growth and development by Hockey India can be attributed to the contribution of Batra.

Under his stewardship, Hockey India’s income has grown from $500,000 (£399,000/€449,000) to $14.1 million (£11.3 million/€12.7 million) over a six-year period.

"Dr Batra has been instrumental in the rejuvenation of the sport in India over the last five years," said Ahmad.

"He is a committed and dedicated individual that has a deep passion for the sport."

He added: "Dr Batra will bring his experience and knowledge to lead FIH into the next phase of growth."

Negre could have chosen to run for a third term, but has surprisingly opted against standing, having claimed in January that he would stand and expected to be re-elected unopposed.

Each of the three candidates to replace him were officially nominated by their National Associations.

Australia’s Read is currently the chair of the FIH’s Competitions Committee and is the President of Hockey Tasmania, while he has previously served as a Board member of Hockey Australia.

Ireland’s Balbirnie served for 20 years in the European Hockey Federation, with roles as an Executive Board member and honorary general secretary.