Relieved players grateful to WSH for postponing the meet

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Dec 12

INDIAN players as well as coaches of various franchisees welcomed Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sports’ decision to postponed the multi-city based World Series Hockey (WSH) stating that the organisers have proved they are organising the multi-million dollar tournament only for the benefit of Indian players.
WSH and IHF have announced new dates for the inaugural edition of WSH which will now start from February 29, 2012 four days after Olympic qualifiers. The opening ceremony and inaugural match of WSH will be held on the February 29 and the final will be held on April One as per the revised schedule.
Twelve current India players have backed out from the tournament including Arjun Halappa and Tushar Khandekar only to be part of the Indian qualifying squad. But after the postponement they thanked said they are grateful to the organisers for changing the dates.
According to a statement released by WSH, the players termed the postponement as the best thing to happen to Indian hockey and said they are committed to play the event after the qualifiers.
FORMER INDIA CAPTAIN ARJUN HALAPPA: World Series Hockey is the best thing to have happened to Indian hockey. I am committed to participate in the inaugural event and extremely grateful to the organisers for shifting the date after the Olympic qualifiers.
TUSHAR KHANDEKAR: This is fantastic news for the players. We were always committed to participate in WSH and the change in date ensures that there is no clash with our national duty. It is going to be a very good opportunity for the Indian players to shine on a global platform.
CHENNAI CHEETAHS CAPTAIN BRENT LIVERMORE: I strongly believe World Series hockey will lead the revival of hockey in India. This decision to reschedule the tournament keeping in mind the interest of the players of the Indian national team reaffirms the commitment that WSH has towards their most important stakeholders. The ongoing preparatory camp is very fruitful in building a cohesive unit and I look forward to coming back and leading the charge for Chennai Cheetahs in February.
CHANDIGARH CAPTAIN REHAN BUTT: The fact that WSH has taken this decision to help solve a big quandary for the players makes me extremely happy and it augurs well for the future of the tournament. I look forward to captaining the Chandigarh team in February.
FORMER INDIA COACH JOSE BRASA (Chennai Cheetahs coach): WSH is a blessing for Indian hockey and they have proved it again by helping the players out from a sticky situation. Now, the players will be able to give their best for India and then get a chance to play in a world class league where the base for a bright future for Indian hockey will be set. I’m eagerly looking forward to coaching the my team from the revised dates.
FORMER INDIA COACH HARENDRA SINGH: For the first time in a long time, a decision has been taken in Indian hockey keeping the players at the forefront. I would like to express genuine respect and admiration for the decision of WSH to reschedule the tournament. The preparatory camps for WSH have begun and I look forward to coaching the Chandigarh team in February as per the revised dates.

VHA-affiliated districts participate in selection trials of Hockey Maharashtra

n By Paritosh Pramanik

IGNORING the warning issued by Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) not to be part of the selection trials conducted by Hockey Maharashtra, players from VHA affiliated districts enrolled themselves for the trials at Wardha on Wednesday.
According to reports, around 70 players from all over Maharashtra took part in the trials.
Players from Jalgaon, Amravati, Wardha, Akola, Beed, Gondia, Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts registered themselves for the three-day trials under way at Chintamani Academy and Management College. All the above mentioned districts are affiliated with VHA.
According to sources around eight players from Nagpur are also taking part in the trials totally ignoring VHA’s warning. Sources said players from Pragmatic Club, Jaibai Chaudhary School, Royal Gondwana Public School and a few from other clubs took part in the trials on the first day. Hockey Maharashtra vice-president TN Sidhra said the response was overwhelming and a few more are expected to join on the morrow.
“It’s a huge response. I was not expecting so many players for the trials. But the schools and clubs showed they want to play hockey and not spoil the future of their players due to the bickering between two hockey factions,” said Sidhra. Players from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Solapur, Sartara are also taking part in the trials.
The selection committee comprises TN Sidhra, Chairman, Prabhakar Bhoge (Wardha), Manish Akre (Yavatmal), Jageshwar Kaithwas and Chandrashekhar (Nagpur).

VHA affiliated school’s instructor is Hockey Maharashtra selector

n By Paritosh Pramanik

JAGESHWAR Kaithwas, working as an instructor with Royal Gondwana Public School (RGPS), an affiliated unit of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), has been appointed as one of the selectors by Hockey Maharashtra.
Interestingly, the school’s director, Deven Dasture, is one of the executive members of VHA.
Hockey Maharashtra is conducting sub-junior selection trials at Wardha from November 16. The selected players will form Maharashtra team that will represent West Zone in the Zonal tournament to be held at Jodhpur. The tournament will be under the banner of Hockey India.
VHA, an Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) loyal, has warned all its affiliated units against taking part in the trials.
Kaithwas has also been appointed as manager-cum-coach of the team which will take part in the sub-junior national tournament to be held at Jodhpur.
Well aware of the fact that he might be sacked from his instructor’s post from the school, Kaithwas has decided to grab the opportunity.
“I have submitted my leave application along with appointment letter I got from TN Sidhra, vice-president Hockey Maharashtra, to the school authorities two days back. Till now I have not got any reply. I will be going for trials in the capacity of a selector. They can sack me but such opportunities do not come everyday,” Kaithwas told ‘The Hitavada’.
Kaithwas lashed out at VHA saying that he was not bothered about the repercussions.
“VHA is doing nothing for coaches, umpires and players. This is a god-send opportunity for me and I want to grab it. I am not worried about the consequences,” stated Kaithwas.
Dasture, on his part, said that RGPS would not send its players for the trials. “I came to know about Kaithwas’ appointment yesterday only. We have not given him permission. Similarly, none of our players would be taking part in the selection trials,” said Dasture.
The executive member also said all three of his schools — RGPS, South Point School, Omkar Nagar and South Point School, Hanuman Nagar were affiliated units of VHA and would stay with the Vidarbha body.
“As far as Kaithwas is concerned, we will take appropriate action against him if he associates himself with the rival body,” Dasture said.
The Hockey Maharashtra trials are going to be held at the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences from November 16 to 18.
Meanwhile, Sidhra has asked all the schools and clubs to send players directly for trials instead of sending them through district associations. “Ours is a new body. The district units are yet to get affiliation hence we have decided to call players directly along with age proofs,” said Sidhra.

Hockey Mah’s selection trials under VHA VP’s guidance!

n By Paritosh Pramanik

THE presence of two bodies, Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation, seems to have resulted in factionalism in the local units too. Wardha District Hockey Association, affiliated with IHF loyal Vidarbha Hockey Association, has ruffled many a feather by allowing Hockey Maharashtra to conduct selection trials at its ground.
Hockey Maharashtra will be holding sub-junior selection trials from November 16 for Hockey India’s forthcoming Jodhpur Nationals.
VHA vice-president Rajendra Sharma has granted permission to hold the trials at the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences at which he is the president.
VHA is fighting with Hockey India and Hockey Maharashtra for its existence since 2008. There were reports that district hockey associations of Nanded, Aurangabad, Parbhani have joined Hockey Maharashtra. And if the sources are to be believed, Wardha too is following them.
Sharma, however, denied any such move and said Wardha District Hockey Association was very much part of VHA.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Sharma said he has only provided the infrastructure for the trials and he is not parting ways with VHA.
“A few days back I got a call from Trilokinath Sidhra. He requested me to help in holding selection trials. We decided to hold the trials at the stadium but as the ground was given for police recruitment, we were unable to get that venue.
“I respect Sidhraji a lot and hence decided to give the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences. I am president of this organisation so I helped him. This does not mean that I am helping Hockey Maharashtra or going against VHA. I am only promoting the game of hockey,” reasoned Sharma.
Sharma said that the press release was not on Wardha District Hockey Association’s letterhead because WDHA was not associated with this selection trials.
“Had it been in tandem with WDHA, the press release would have been on the letterhead,” Sharma clarified.
Sidhra, who is vice-president of Hockey Maharashtra, accepted he had requested Sharma to provide him the ground.
“I wanted to hold trials in Nagpur but grounds were not available here. We would not have got police ground as recruitment drive is under way. VHA would not give us the ground hence we decided to hold trials in Wardha.”
Sidhra said he was not going against VHA. “I am a life member of VHA. I am not going against the association.
“There are many life members who hold posts on various sports bodies. I have been appointed Hockey Maharashtra’s vice-president about a year ago and I have been asked to hold the selection trials,” Sidhra added.
VHA Secretary Vinod Gavai said that no player affiliated with VHA would be allowed to take part in the trials. “I have asked all the district units and clubs not to send their players for the trials conducted by rival body.”
Gavai added: “Stringent action would be taken against those who participate in the trials, be it player, official or district.”

The umpire who lived for cricket ... forever

Tribute

By Paritosh Pramanik

ON JANUARY 5, 2011, Ganpati Dattatray Bapat had flicked the bails for one last time to call ‘stumps’ in the Guzder Institutional League encounter at the Vayusena Nagar cricket ground. Ten months later the glorious innings of his life has ended. Bapat passed away on November 7 after a prolonged illness. He was admitted to Getwell hospital a few days back.
Born on September 15, 1931, Bapat Sir, for every cricketer in this city, breathed his last on Monday morning at the age of 81.
Not only umpiring, Bapat sir was also a renowned curator of Vidarbha Cricket Association. He prepared the strip from 1970 to 1983. The great ‘young’ old man, after standing in the middle for untold hours, retired after officiating in a Guzder match early this year, at the age of 79. Not because he had got drained out or had got exhausted after officiating for so many years but he had bowed to the loving demands from his family, who cared for him and wanted him not to overstress.
Though looking frail, he was full with zeal. During the inter-press cricket matches of SJAN he was a regular; for many years as the man in the white coat and then as a pure lover of cricket. He would settle on a bench near the fence and get engrossed in the action on the field. His eyes were sharp as ever. “What a beautiful shot,” Bapat Sir would exclaim after a cracking whack. “Standing on the green grass field for years helped me keep my vision clear. I still don’t wear spectacles,” he had said.
Bapat Sir had said his family’s request forced him to retire from umpiring. “I never wanted to retire. I have it in me to stand in the middle for a full day. Yes, the reflexes have gone slow with age but I can still officiate matches. My family members requested me not to exert so much at this age. I remain out of the house for whole day and they get worried. So I decided to quit, though unwillingly,” Bapat sir had revealed then.“They (family members) are right. I am 80 years now. And am not getting any younger,” the smile never waned.
Giving more time to cricket than to his family, the veteran umpire, who had officiated in more than 1000 junior games and around 35 Ranji Trophy matches, had said it was not easy to stay at home after retirement.
“The day after I officiated my last game (Jan 5, 2011), I was very restless. It was for the first time in 50 years I spent time at home. It was an awkward feeling but, as days passed I started getting used to it”.Even after retirement as official Bapat sir used to go to Vidarbha Cricket Association to coach the budding umpires. He also used to spend at least two hours on the ground daily.
It’s stumps for Bapat Sir. This one decision is direct from the Third Umpire sitting up there. Unfortunately it cannot be overruled.
May his soul rest in peace!

WSH can promote hockey in a professional way: Livermore

WSH can promote hockey in a professional way: Livermore

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Oct 31

WITH more than 300 international matches under his belt including two Olympics (2000, 2004), two World Cups (2002, 2006) and more than 10 Champions Trophy tournaments, Australian Brent Livermore, the world acclaimed midfielder, has been there and done that for the Kookaburras. The 37-year-old lanky Gold Coast, Queensland based player feels the World Series Hockey, a joint venture of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus, would benefit not only India but also the world hockey.
In an exclusive interview to The Hitavada from Queensland, Livermore said WSH is a prime pathway for aspiring current and future players. It will increase competition with the depth of players from around India. The midfielder said that FIH should support WSH as it is about exposure and it provides FIH and hockey the real opportunity to showcase the best talent in the world.
Excerpts:
How interesting would be the World Series Hockey?
Brent Livermore (BL): WSH is a great initiative not only for hockey in India but also for the world. This will be a prime opportunity to make the game professional for all. With around 150 players from across India it will also help the fringe players to get selected for the national team. Ability and potential is a part of the Indian team. They just need to be more precise with consistency and continuity.
Will Indian juniors gain from this competition?
BL: Indian players and Indian hockey are sure to benefit as it is a prime pathway for aspiring current and future players. It will increase competition with the depth of players from around India. Players, teams and coaches will have a chance to mix styles of play which is going to add to the knowledge and depth of Indian players. I also believe there will be some untapped junior talent which will come of age and become part of the Indian team.
Should FIH support WSH?
BL: For sure. It is about exposure of the best talent in the world and it provides FIH and hockey the real opportunity to showcase the best talent in the world. It has to be about developing the game and therefore it is about the players. Players want to play in the best competitions, against the best players - embrace it and enjoy. I feel for too long the game has been kept amateur and this is one chance to promote the game in a professional manner.
Do you think Hockey India’s stance to threaten those associated with WSH would force players to pull out?
BL: Unfortunately yes. As a player you always want to play at the Olympic Games for your country. You always strive to succeed in the best competition. The Olympics has this. I think it is sad and crazy that everyone does not pull together to embrace all opportunities to showcase the game and its players in all ways.
There is no need to stop players doing what they love doing, and that is playing hockey at the highest level.
As there is no conflicting competitions during this time, all players should play as they will gain once in a lifetime exposure.
I’m not to sure what Hockey India is doing, but if they have the stance mentioned above....well yes...for sure they are keeping the game amateur and not supporting its players to ensure they are best prepared to represent their country.
How much will it benefit foreign players?
BL: It will have a positive global impact. With players from Australia, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, Pakistan etc. already confirming their participation it shows that WSH will be a premium event with the best talent from around the world wanting to play and be part of this exciting venture.
Bhopal has generated a lot of interest from franchises. Would you like to represent the Bhopal outfit?
BL: Personally, I am a profession competitive athlete who embraces any challenge to compete. It does not matter which team or franchise I play for. I will always give my best in trying to get the desired result.
If hockey is strong and popular in Bhopal I would enjoy the opportunity to represent the franchise with hopefully strong support from the locals.

MOCKERY: 20 mins and match is over!

DSO schedules 16 matches in one day

NAGPUR, Oct 13
By Paritosh Pramanik

MATCH duration is 30 minutes. Ten minutes and it’s half-time. Second half begins, as the stopwatch shows 20 minutes the umpire blows the final hooter. The match is over! Budding hockey players leave the field bewildered, looking at their coach (school PTI) asking “Is that all we waited for more than three hours”?
Welcome to District Sports Office (DSO) organised inter-school hockey tournament under way at Dr Ambedkar College ground. The tournament is nothing but a formality. It hardly matters to the officials whether it is played according to rules and for full duration.
On Wednesday, a whopping 16 matches in different age groups were scheduled on only one ground. Officials were told to complete all matches. No postponement for the next day. The helpless umpires and technical officer were forced to reduce the duration of play.
According to sports incharge of one of the schools his team arrived for his match in the afternoon but had to wait for hours.
“We waited for hours for our match. In the end the players got only 20 minutes to play (10 minutes each half). Why does DSO conduct tournaments when they don’t have time,” asked the PTI.
One of the umpires officiating the match said, “Even though we arrive for our match on time DSO does not pay us if the match is a walkover. We are paid a paltry Rs 25 per one completed match.”
“The PTIs call us and request to postpone their match for an hour as students have to appear for examinations. We have instructions from DSO that no team should be given walkover. The match has to be completed even if it is played two hours late,” said one official.
Hockey Incharge of DSO Dilip Itankar first denied that 16 matches were scheduled for a day. But he had to accept the fact when this scribe told him that he had in possession the match schedule.
“Past experience shows that most of the matches do not take place (walkovers). We had an idea that all teams would not come hence these many matches were scheduled.
“The divisional meet is to be held in Wardha from 16th and we have to complete the fixtures,” said Itankar.
According to DSO schedule, there is no half-time break for a match. If a match starts at 9 am, then the second match is scheduled for 9.30 am. Itankar failed to convince how a match could be scheduled immediately after completion of the earlier match. “It gets adjusted,” was his unconvincing reply.

Chetri interview in fieldhockey.com

http://fieldhockey.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/140-i-was-sure-to-get-captains-arm-band-chetri

I was sure to get captain’s arm band: Chetri

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Sept 29

THE last man of the team would lead from the front. Experienced hockey goal-keeper Bharat Chetri will don the captain’s arm band when India take on New Zealand, arch-rival Pakistan and hosts Australia during their tour Down Under starting mid October.
Though it came a bit late, Hockey India’s decision to appoint Chetri as captain has definitely brought cheers in Darjeeling where the skipper’s family stays.
“They all are very happy and my cell phone is continuously ringing. My friends in Darjeeling, too, are feeling very proud,” said the new Indian captain while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
Chetri always knew that he would lead India some day but was not expecting it so early. “I am not fully surprised. I was sure that I would get that captain’s arm band...but when I did not know. There were discussions during the team meetings and camp that captaincy would be rotated. I was sure my day would come too. So it’s not a surprise,” said an elated Chetri.
Chetri, who hails from Darjeeling but has settled in Bangalore for last 11 years, said it was good to have a new captain for every tour. “It actually helps in building a team. In this way we can read the mind of other seniors too. The seniors are playing together for more than 5-6 years and it helps in how they think and what they want from others.”
The custodian said being a goal keeper would not put added pressure on him.
“I don’t think there would be any added pressure. Being a goal-keeper actually helps. Only a goal-keeper can see all his team-mates as well as opponents’ moves. He can actually be the best guide for the team. My job would be the same.”
India will play a nine-a-side tournament in Australia which, Chetri said, would be a great fun.
“This nine-a-side is like an entertainment. It’s like IPL. It’s very different from 11-a-side game. In this format we have different rules for short corner and long corner. It would be exciting to play this format. I can’t say how much interest it would generate or how would we perform as this would be our first time. But I am sure it would be great fun,” Chetri said.
The Indian captain said the team looks strong with the return of defender Sandeep Singh and striker Sardara Singh.
“The team looks strong with the return of Sandeep, Sardara, Tushar (Khandekar), Arjun (Halappa), Vikram (Pillay). Six senior players are back which is good for us. They all are very experienced with more than 100 matches under their belt. Their presence would definitely help the team,” he mentioned.
Chetri lauded the appointment of three-time Olympian Mukesh Kumar as Indian coach. “It’s great that a player like Mukesh Kumar would be with us as a coach. He was a very good player like Mohd Riaz. Presence of such players always motivates you,” said the Canara Bank staffer.
Chetri said India’s Australian coach Michael Nobbs is a great motivator.
“When Jose Brasa was our coach we were playing European style of hockey but now we are back to our Indian style... attacking hockey. Nobbs has given us free hand to play our style of hockey. He and our fitness trainer are giving more emphasis on fitness. They are working really hard on us. Our fitness level has immensely increased. We are much fitter than what we were two months back,” Chetri stated.

http://ehitavada.com/site.home/paper_type/1/date/2011-09-30/page_no/15

‘CT would’ve been a good build-up for Oly qualifiers’

n By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Sept 13

HIS cell phone kept ringing since he touched the Indian shores. His friends, hockey lovers and followers congratulated him. Journalists took most of his early morning time for some exclusive quotes. But Indian hockey captain Rajpal Singh never got annoyed. Rather, he was more than happy to respond to every call.
“They all are our well wishers. How can I ignore them,” said Rajpal with a chuckle, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from New Delhi.
Rajpal and his young men defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to clinch the maiden Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos in China last Sunday.
The Indian team remained unbeaten in the tournament drawing three matches and winning as many to clinch the trophy. This was India’s first major championship in four years since Prabodh Tirkey had lifted the Asia Cup in Chennai in 2007.
The Indian captain was sad to know that the Champions Trophy, supposed to be held in India, has now been shifted to Auckland, New Zealand.
“It’s sad. It would have been better had it been played in India. We would have got a chance to play some of the top teams ahead of Olympic qualifiers. It would have been a good build-up. But now we will have to play as the top-seeded team at the Champions Challenge in November in South Africa. We will have to win that meet to qualify for Champions Trophy. But our main aim is to qualify for London Games and we will work much harder to achieve our goal,” said Rajpal.
The Indian captain said it’s a great moment for Indian hockey as the win would give a big boost to the game.
“It’s good that we won a major title at this juncture. Indian hockey is being ridden with controversies in the recent past and we did not let that affect our game,” said Rajpal.
According to Rajpal, the secret of this team’s success was the unity amongst the players. “We were united during the entire tournament. We never let the off-field controversies affect our game. We concentrated on the game at hand. It’s not our job to think about the tussle between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation,” Rajpal stated. Indian team was without experienced players like Arjun Halappa, Tushar Khandekar, Shivendra Singh who are nursing injuries. But the juniors grabbed the opportunities with both hands and Rajpal said they performed above expectation.
“Yes, the team would have been a much stronger had seniors like Shivendra, Arjun, Tushar been there. But the juniors performed exceedingly well, above expectation. “They were new but not raw. All of them had played at international level so they had the feel of playing an international tournament. But they really played well,” he said. The captain had special praise for midfielder Gurbaz Singh who was exceptional in all the matches.
“Gurbaz was player of the tournament. He was excellent in the midfield. His passes were accurate and ball trapping was unbelievable,” said the captain. Rajpal said the new penalty shoot-out rule, which was used during the final, favoured India.
Earlier, the shots were taken from a fixed spot but according to changed rules, the tie-breaker involves the striker starting with the ball from outside the 23-yard circle and have to beat rival goal-keeper to score within eight seconds.
“We had used this method a few year back during the Premier Hockey League (PHL) so we had a fair bit of idea about that. You can say the new rule has helped us more. But yes we practised it during this tournament also,” informed the Indian forward.








I wanted to make my country proud: Sreejesh


By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Sept 13

IT WAS a final and it was India vs Pakistan. And nobody in the Indian camp wanted to give any leeway to the arch-rivals. In the end it all boiled down to one man — the goal-keeper. The lanky Indian custodian Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh, who was out of the international circuit for around a year, decided to hoist the Indian flag a notch up than Pakistan. The six-foot tall Indian goal-keeper used his height to thwart Pakistan as he made two crucial saves that saw India lift the Asian Champions Trophy.
Goal-keepers are admired only when it comes to penalty shoot-outs and Sreejesh decided to make it his day.
“You know the only time a goal-keeper gets the credit is when the game is decided on penalties. I think it was my day and I was lucky to save those two penalties,” said the elated Indian goal-keeper while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from New Delhi. “During the shoot-outs my mind was clear. I just wanted to save the shots and make my country proud,” he added.
Coach Michael Nobbs used both the goal-keepers in the tournament and it was by rotation that Sreejesh got the opportunity to stand under the bar in the final. “After we entered the final, our coach (Michael) Nobbs said that I would be the first choice goal-keeper for the final. So I was prepared for the big match,” said Sreejesh who missed the Commonwealth Games due to back injury.
The lanky goal-keeper said he got the advantage of his height during the match. “Being a 6-footer always helps. In the final also I took the advantage of my height,” added Sreejesh.
Sreejesh last represented India during last year’s European tour after which he suffered disc injury. Those were painful days for the Kerala-born keeper. “I suffered a disc injury which forced me out. I took rehabilitation and was advised proper rest. Slowly I started practising and got into rhythm. I worked hard as I always wanted to be back in the Indian squad,” he said.
Despite being the hero of the team for winning the title, Sreejesh feels that he needs more hard work to cement his place in the team. “I will work much harder and will try my best to keep my place in the team.”
Sreejesh wanted to dedicate his medal to his fellow custodian Adrian D’Souza. “He is my best pal. He always helped me on and off the field. I want to dedicate this (gold) medal to him,” Sreejesh proudly said. Sreejesh said instead of ruing the missed chance of Champions Trophy the team should concentrate on the Champions Challenge. “I think we should forget this (missing Champions Trophy) and plan about the Champions Challenge which is going to be held in November in South Africa. If we win that tournament we would qualify for the main tournament,” he signed off.

VHA included in ‘New Hockey Federation’

Can take part in national tournaments

By Paritosh Pramanik

VIDARBHA Hockey Association (VHA) has come out victors as far as participation in national tournaments is concerned. The three-year long fight with Hockey India (HI) for its survival at the top level is over with the Joint Executive Committee for Hockey in India and Sports Ministry accepting the demand to keep the affiliation of the six-decades-old body.
In a major development, Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) have decided to work together without forming a unified body.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from Delhi, IHF secretary Ashok Mathur said, “VHA, which is affiliated with IHF, along with Mumbai, Maharashtra, Bhopal and Hyderabad, will remain part of the “Joint Executive Committee for Hockey in India.”
Mathur said VHA would be able to take part in national and other invitational tournaments organised under the banner of HI or IHF.
“Be it Vidarbha, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Patiala, Bhopal or any other association...they all would be allowed to take part in the nationals (senior, junior, boys or girls),” informed Mathur.
Mathur said IHF was clear in their stand of having VHA, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Bhopal, Hyderabad as their affiliated members.
The issue of affiliation to these five units was discussed during the meeting ten days back and Sports Ministry secretary Injeti Srinivas had accepted the demand of IHF.
‘The Hitavada’ was the first to report about VHA getting affiliation with the joint body.
After IHF was disbanded and Hockey India took over the reigns of the game in 2008 VHA as well as the other associations’ existence was in danger as HI adhered to one-state-one-unit policy.
Last month Sports Ministry had proposed a merger plan to the two warring bodies. The Ministry had asked for their views on it and had also warned them of stern action if they failed to budge.
IHF was stern in its stand of including Vidarbha, Mumbai, which is 100 years old association, Maharashtra, Bhopal and Hyderabad, as affiliated units in the national federation.
During a meeting held on June 21, IHF had supported VHA to be part of the Indian Federation and were firm on their stand whenever the two warring factions met with the government.
“We have clearly stated that associations like Vidarbha, Mumbai, Bhopal, Hyderabad and Maharashtra are more than 50-60 years old. We can’t suddenly wipe them out. They would be part of the merged body,” Mathur said.
An elated VHA secretary Vinod Gawai said he was happy that their fight for survival and recognition bore fruits. “All we wanted is participation in national tournaments. We always fought for our players. We were firm in our fight and that is the reason IHF supported us,” said Gawai.
“The players would not lose out on playing in nationals, at least till 2012,” he added.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

VHA elections likely in September

SLUG: Last AGM under present body on Sunday
By Paritosh Pramanik

THE most awaited elections of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), in all probability, would be held in the month of September.
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM), which was not held last year, would be held on Sunday, July 31 at Sarvoday Ashram, Amravati Road.
This would be the second time VHA goes to elections after its Constitution was amended in 2007 and executive body’s term was extended to four years.
This year elections would be conducted in the presence of Election Officer appointed by Deputy Charity Commissioner.
According to secretary’s report, some members have filed an application before the Deputy Charity Commissioner seeking direction for election as per voters’ list of 2005 elections. But the present executive body objected to and defended their members who were added between 2005-2011.
At present VHA has 504 members including 100 Patrons, 341 Life Members, two Honorary Members (without voting rights) and 61 Affiliated Units.
“Deputy Charity Commissioner, vide order dated 28.6.2011, directed the association to hold elections within three months as per the voters list submitted up to date of elections. Deputy Charity Commissioner has also appointed Election Officer for the same. Accordingly, VHA’s forthcoming election programme would be declared by Election Officer separately,” the secretary’s report states.