He dribbled past death

Yerawar is back on hockey field after life threatening accident

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Oct 7, 2012
APART from their Sikh origin there is one more thing common with Jugraj Singh, Sandeep Singh, and Baljeet Singh. All these Indian hockey stars have defeated death after freak accidents and returned to the field. Though this hockey player from Vidarbha is not in the same category, he definitely shares the same league. He too has seen death but survived to tell the tale.
Ananta Yerawar, a 21-year-old hockey player from Brahmapuri, has seen death from close quarters. He defeated it to be back on the hockey field.
Yerawar, lynchpin of Brahmapuri Taluka Hockey Association, defied all odds and proved that if one has willpower, then one can overcome any challenge.
Those who had seen Yerawar on that frightful November night last year — lying on hospital bed with bloodied face, broken jaw, and internal injuries — would have never thought that he will be back on hockey field in less than a year.
Yerawar met with this life-threatening accident when his bike slipped and he, along with his friend, crashed into an iron dustbin in his hometown Brahmapuri.
“It was November 19 last year, eight days after I celebrated my 21st birthday. I was returning with my team-mate Vinod Pradhan after closing my shop in Khristanand square when my bike slipped and rammed into an iron dustbin lying at the corner of the road. My friend died on the spot (he came to know that a month later). And I was in coma,” Yerawar told ‘The Hitavada’ after his team Tukaramdas Mahavidyalaya’s win in RTMNU’s inter-college tournament at Dr Ambedkar College ground.
The midfielder, who also played for Dr Ambedkar College in 2010 (studied B.com I), was immediately rushed to KRIMS Hospital the same night. “For a few days I was in coma. My jaw was completely broken. I couldn’t eat and drink. It was very painful,” recalled Yerawar.
“I was in hospital for 15 days. My four broken teeth were fixed again. Then I went to Hyderabad for a jaw surgery. Slowly, I started gaining strength,” Yerawar added.
On the hospital bed Yerawar was fighting a distressing mental battle. “I used to think whether I would be able to play hockey again. Many times I got depressed. But I kept on motivating myself that one day everything would be fine.
“A player has to be a fighter, be it on the field or off it…and I was no different. I never let my emotions take control over my body. My parents, specially my mother (Jyoti), supported me a lot. She gave me the courage. It’s because of her that I am back on the field today,” he said.
The return to field took some time. “It’s been just four months I have started playing.”
An internal knee injury was very painful. Doctors advised him physiotherapy and meditation. He also started yoga.
During recovery Yerawar’s mind was always on hockey. “There was a state-level tournament in Brahmapuri. My brother used to take me to the ground. There my friends motivated me. ‘The midfield is still vacant. We want you back,’ they said. Those words motivated me,” said Yerawar, who has played three school nationals and represented Vidarbha in Under-14, U-16, U-19 and U-21 categories.
After a dedicated rehab, Yerawar picked the stick in May this year. Here, in this meet, he used all his experience to score four goals against the mighty Hislop.
The jaw operation has left a scar on his face but Yerawar is not bothered. “I will be going to Bhilai for plastic surgery. Everything will be fine,” Yerawar signed off.
He has conquered death but there are several on-field wars yet to be won.

Hold VHA elections as per 2005 voters’ list: HC

Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order set aside

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, on September 3, 2012, has ordered Deputy Charity Commissioner to hold the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) elections as per the voters’ list of 2005.
In 2005, VHA had conducted its elections after a gap of 18 years. At that time it had 316 voters (271 life members, 45 schools/colleges/affiliated units).
It may be recalled that VHA life member DS Karunashankar, a retired district judge, had challenged VHA’s voters’ list after Deputy Charity Commissioner declared “the 2005 and 2006 elected body illegal.”
“The Deputy Charity Commissioner had set aside and declared the elected body of year 2005 and 2006 as illegal. Their constitution too has not been amended,” said Karunashankar.
“I filed an application with the Deputy Charity Commissioner requesting to hold elections as per the 1962 Constitution which states that elections should be held every year. At that time there were 271 life members and 45 affiliated units,” he mentioned.
On 23-5-2011 Deputy Charity Commissioner appointed an election officer and ordered to conduct the trust’s (VHA) election within three months as per the 2005 voters list.
But the Deputy Charity Commissioner modified the judgment by an impugned order dated 28-6-11 holding that members validly enrolled till the date of elections could be the voters in the said elections.
The division bench consisting Vasanti Naik and SP Deshmukh in their observation said, “It appears that the judgment dated 23-5-11 was modified by Deputy Charity Commissioner by the impugned order dated 28-6-11 and it was held by the Deputy Charity Commissioner in the said order that the members validly enrolled till the date of the election could be the voters in the said election.
The bench said the order dated 28.6.11 was passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment of 23-5-11 was modified and passed behind the back of the petitioner.
“It also appears from the order as also hearing counsel for the parties that the impugned order is passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment dated 23-5-2011 is modified. The Deputy Charity Commissioner could not have modified the judgment by the impugned order dated 28-6-2011 without hearing the petitioner, more so, as by the judgment dated 23-5-2011 the Deputy Charity Commissioner had allowed the application filed by the petitioner under section 41A of the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 and directed that the election be conducted on the basis of the members enrolled till the year 2005. Since the order is passed behind the back of the petitioner the same is liable to be set aside, the court ordered.
Adv Bhanudas Kulkarni appeared for the petitioner while Adv SS Sirsat and Adv NS Rao appeared for the respondents.

‘Mai Jasdev Singh bol raha hu’

India’s most renowned commentator recalls his golden days

By Paritosh Pramanik

SOME names need no introduction. They became a synonym for their trade. Anyone who grew up listening to Hindi music would not need an introduction for Mohd Rafi, Kishor Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. They were institutions by themselves. One such name, Jasdev Singh, though not related to Indian film industry, is in the same league but in the business of commentary.
In his several decades old career, Jasdev has been decorated with several titles — ‘Voice of India’, ‘The King of Commentary, ‘Pioneer of Hindi Commentary’, ‘Guru of Hindi Commentary’, A Broadcasting Legend’ and ‘Mr Commentary India’. Every Indian has spent several winters listening to his Independence Day and Republic Day parade commentaries.
One might not be listening to him since past few years but as the name Jasdev Singh pops up during discussion, memories of his commentaries, be it of Independence Day, R-Day or hockey matches or athletics refreshes one’s minds. ‘Mai Jasdev Singh bol raha hu’, one immediately starts imitating his style. It was the way he used to present live pictures through his voice when radio was the only medium of information.
Indians have grown up listening to the emotional, touching, euphoric, joyful voice of this commentator and today also he is remembered as one of the finest of Hindi commentators India has ever produced.
At 81, his hands might be quivering but even today his voice is the same as it used to be several decades before. The Delhi based Jasdev feels today’s crop of commentators are not getting proper training thus the art of commentary was losing shine a bit.
“Training is most important. Today, with so many avenues, commentators need a bit of training. They should prepare hard ahead of any assignment,” said Jasdev, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at his relative Dr Sanjay Bajaj’s residence.
“When I used to commentate, I would stay awake whole night. I would prepare, update myself for the next day. I used to jot down a few sentences on a piece of paper,” revealed Jasdev, who was conferred with the prestigious Padmashree award in 1985 and Padma Bhushan in 2008.
Talk about his days with microphone and Jasdev gets nostalgic. His never-ending but interesting incidents forced this scribe to unwillingly interrupt him in between.
“Once I was described by a French paper as a person who eats, sleeps and drinks commentary,” said Jasdev, who is the only Indian commentator to win the prestigious Olympic Order in 1998 at the hand of then IOC president Juan Antino Samaranch.
Recalling his early days, Jasdev said he fell in love with commentary when he was 16 years old.
“It was on January 31, 1948, the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, I decided to make career in this profession, that too in Hindi. I heard Melville De Mello’s, my idol, commentary on Radio. The way he presented picture of Gandhiji’s death forced me to fall in love of this profession.
“My mother first laughed at me because I studied in Urdu school and my Hindi was far from being a commentator,” mentioned Jasdev, who has covered nine Olympics, eight World Cups and six Asian Games apart from live commentaries on Independence and Republic Day for 50 years.
Jasdev did his first R-Day parade in 1961 and continued for several decades. He was promoted to Deputy Director General (Sports) from Doordarshan in 1987. He retired from the same post in 1989 but continued to force Indians fall in love to his commentary. Jasdev, who joined All India Radio in 1955 in Jaipur, said his first sports assignment at 1964 Tokyo Olympics was the most memorable one. “That was my first Olympics. I was very excited but not nervous,” he recalled.
Jasdev felt that technical terms in sports should not be converted while commentating in Hindi.
“I am against changing technical terms. We should use those words as in English but why call a shuttle cock a ‘chidiya’ while commentating in Hindi. It makes no sense,” he clarified.
Jasdev says he feels overwhelmed when people still remember his voice.
“The way people respond when they recognise my voice is something overwhelming. Some remember me for my hockey commentaries, some for the R-Day or I-Day ones,” he concluded.

For Sunil, Village is like heaven

 By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 24

THE shooters might be having problems at the Games Village with reports coming in that sportspersons are being forced to share a toilet among four, and sometimes even with six athletes, but for Indian hockey’s ‘goal machine’ SV Sunil there is no such issue at his “dream home”.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from Games Village in London, Sunil said the atmosphere is awesome and he is enjoying every bit of it.
“The atmosphere is awesome. It (Games Village) is like heaven. I can’t describe it. I am enjoying every bit of it,” said Sunil.
“You can see all the top stars of the world walking past you. It’s unbelievable,” added Sunil, who will be playing his first Olympics.
Like his team-mate Tushar Khandker, Sunil, too, wants to meet 17-time Grand Slam champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer. “Who else? Roger Federer,” replied Sunil when asked about his desire.
Sunil, who is sharing room with defender VR Raghunath, said he is enjoying Indian food at the Village.
“It’s daal, roti and rice for me. The food is delicious. I am enjoying it. We don’t have any problem regarding toilets,” said the Indian forward.
One thing that is on the mind of Indian hockey contingent is engraving the Olympics ring on their body and Sunil has also planned to do so. But that will take place later as the first priority is to perform well at the Games.
“Yes we all want Olympics tattoo on our body. But the main task is performing well at Games. We will do that when we come back to India,” replied Sunil.
Sunil confirmed that all players including Ignace Tirkey and Sardara Singh are fit and raring to go.
“All the reports (regarding Ignace and Sardara’s fitness) are not true. The entire team is fit and ready for the Games to begin,” Sunil
concluded.

Khandker's goal at Olympics: Meeting with Federer

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 18

WITH London opening doors of the Games Village stars and megastars have started descending on the venue, which is larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. The Indian hockey contingent, presently in Spain, too, will occupy their ‘home’ on Friday, brushing shoulders with who’s who of world sports.
Olympics is the only stage where stars could manage to meet the ‘megastars’, their idols, role models and alike.
Like many others, Indian striker Tushar Khandker, too, is looking forward to meet his favourite 17-time Grand Slam champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Village.
Federer, who recently won the 5th Wimbledon title, will be in London for Olympics starting July 27.
“If I get time from my matches, training, and recovery, I will try to meet Roger Federer,” said Khandker, talking exclusively with ‘The Hitavada’ from Spain where the Indian team is playing pre-Games tournament.
The Indian forward, who would be making his debut at Olympics, said with the D-Day approaching there were butterflies in his stomach.
“Yes there are (butterflies) and it is very much true because it will
be my first Olympics. So I’m pretty much excited,” Khandker
admitted.
Games Village remains the talk of the event with views over the facilities, atmosphere, world famous athletes but despite being his first Olympics Khandker is not losing sleep over spending time in the ‘small town’.
“Frankly speaking I don’t have any plan for the Village because I’m going to London to play hockey and not for entertainment,” said the Jhansi-born player.
The camaraderie in the Indian team has been the talking point for some time now and players are gelling well with each other. On long tours like Olympics, where teams leave shores much in advance to get acclimatised to conditions, players share their joys and sorrows with those who are close to them, specially with room-mates.
Khandker does not have any problem in sharing his room at Games with any of his 16 team members. “I don’t know yet who will be my room-mate but I’m OK with everyone. I don’t’ have any problem with anyone,” said Khandker.
Khandker and Shivendra Singh are involved in numerous goal scoring acts but like his pal Shiva, Khandker doesn’t let his emotions flow after scoring a goal.
Asked whether he has any plans of celebrating after scoring a goal, the down-to-earth player said, “I don’t celebrate much so I don’t have any kind of thing like Shiva. I celebrate after winning.”

Denied by IOA, Mundras to ‘beg’ for tickets in London

By Paritosh Pramanik

SINCE 1982 Omprakash Mundra and his wife Premlata have travelled across the globe riding on the tremendous love for sports and passion for Indian sportspersons. They have marked presence at various sporting extravaganzas including Olympics, Asian Games and World Cups. Unfortunately, they would not be part of the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Games starting July 27.
A lackadaisical response from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has denied them tickets for ceremonies and other events in London.
The Nagpur-based steel businessman has now decided to go on his own and ‘beg’ for tickets in front of the stadium, which he has done before during the Athens Games. What is hurting the 61-year-old is the way the IOA “cheated” him.
In January 2011, Mundra requested IOA for tickets. In reply he was asked by the IOA to send a Demand Draft of Rs 2,72,080 for tickets of the opening, closing ceremonies, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastics hockey, swimming and tennis. Mundra sent a demand draft in July 2011 but to his surprise IOA allotted him tickets only for badminton, basketball and hockey.
“When I contacted IOA, they first refused to entertain me but later said there was paucity of tickets. They said, ‘If you want these tickets take them or else we would give them to somebody else’. I had no other option but to take those three event tickets,” a dejected Mundra told ‘The Hitavada’.
“I have booked my flight tickets and also the accommodation in London. Whether IOA gives me tickets or not, I will be travelling to London with my wife to cheer and support my country,” said Mundra.
“I will make placards and stand in front of stadium ‘begging’ for tickets. This I have done during the Athens Games where I was appointed a volunteer.
“Spectators had given me tickets to watch India’s tennis match. I am sure in London too, I would get someone who would help me out,” said Mundra.
The Mundras have served as volunteers in world events like 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, 2006 Qatar Asian Games, 2010 Vancouver Games, 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa and 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Baig’s NDUHA gets Hockey Maharashtra’s affiliation

n By Paritosh Pramanik

PUTTING a full stop to the controversy over legality of district hockey body, the Hockey Maharashtra, Pune, has granted permanent affiliation to Salim Baig’s Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association.
Till date Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Triloki Nath Sidhra’s body, also by the same name, was affiliated to Hockey Maharashtra. Interestingly, Sidhra never revealed his entire executive body. In his latest press release there were only three names — TN Sidhra (President), Suman Kapoor (Secretary) and Shrikant Neral (Treasurer). Despite repeated requests, Sidhra refused to give the names of his entire executive committee.
Baig’s district body has 18 members (see box) with Mamta Trivedi being the president.
According to a letter from the Hockey Maharashtra the “provisional and permanent” affiliation has been granted to Baig’s NDUHA. The decision was taken at The Hockey Maharashtra’s an emergency meeting held at Pune on July 2.
In a letter addressed to Salim Baig, Honorary Secretary, Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association, Cdr Kehar Singh, Hon Secretary of the Hockey Maharashtra, advised Baig’s district unit to conduct and promote hockey activities in and around Nagpur for both men and women.
It was also learnt that during the July 2 meeting in Pune, Olympian Rekha Bhide, who was serving as the president of the Hockey Maharashtra, has been ‘demoted to vice-president’s post. Vijay Khanna, a Pune-based builder has been appointed as the president of the state body.
Similarly, Sidhra, who was the vice-president of the state body did not find any place in the new body of 17 members.
“I attended the meeting held at Pune. Many district associations were unhappy with Bhide’s functioning and wanted her to vacate post. The decision was taken unanimously,” said Salim Baig while talking to ‘The Hitavada.’
“Nobody backed Bhide, and Khanna was unanimous choice,” he added.
“We had submitted our resolution to Narinder Batra (Hockey India’s secretary) three years back. We got the affiliation on that basis,” informed Baig.


Baig’s team
Mamta Trivedi (President), Salim Baig (Secretary), Surendra Mishra, Pradeep Nagarkar, Veena Fulsunge, Kulvinder Madne (Vice-presidents), Jaya Mudliar, Sunil Madne (Joint Secretaries), Shoeb Parvez (Treasurer), Anil Daral, Abhijeet Fulsunge, Kunal Patil, Rampal Thakur, Purushotam Madne, Yagya Thakur, Bela Kanojiya, Kanta Jain, Sachin Kanojiya).

Pune meeting illegal: Sidhra

TRILOKI Nath Sidhra, vice-president, the Hockey Maharashtra, has termed the meeting called by Kehar Singh at Pune on July 2 as illegal and said Rekha Bhide was still the president of the state body. “Rekha was not in the country when the meeting was called. She was with the junior Indian team touring Thailand,” Sidhra said adding, “How can a secretary call the meeting without president’s consent?
“Even I was not informed about the meeting. The meeting was illegal and Rekha Bhide is still the president,” he claimed.
When informed about Baig’s body getting affiliation, Sidhra said they were claiming it since last three years. “They claim that their body is registered for last three years, then why don’t they conduct tournaments,”
he questioned.

NDUHA’S activities to start from September
AFTER receiving affiliation from the Hockey Maharashtra, Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA) has decided to start its activities from the month of September.
According to a press release, NDUHA will be organising men and women’s hockey tournaments at Tiger’s Gap ground and Dr Ambedkar College ground for schools, colleges and clubs.
The association has requested all schools, colleges and clubs to get affiliated before August 31. The affiliation forms are available with Salim Baig (9823117576) and Sunil Madne (9823131938), joint secretary.
The tournaments will be held in memory of late Balraj Aher, Gafoorbhai, Bhaiyyalal Thakur and Amod Sarin.

 
 

When hockey was 'lighting' up social life

By Paritosh Pramanik
(Published on May 20, 2012)
THE year was 1994. It was that time when Sadar was a fort of hockey in Nagpur. At dusk, a bright glow would attract over thousands to the ground near Kasturba library. No invitations, all would come voluntary like a happy function in the family. Every inch of the sidelines of the makeshift hockey field would be full with 2000-odd fans. The Ganesh Siriah memorial six-a-side hockey tournament under lights was a celebration of the national game and brotherhood.
The tournament was a tribute to late Siriah, a former player-cum-coach, by Sadar-based hockey players. The summer event was a result of sheer passion and devotion of these players from Accountant General and Central Excise office.
“We used to return from office at around 6.30-7.00 in the evening. Those days mobile phones was still a dream. Yet, without intimation, everybody would reach the venue for preparation. There was no time to go home. Preparations would continue till late night, sometimes till 4 am. But nobody complained. It was our event.,” recalled Pervez Qureshi while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
Everything related to the meet was indigenous. Special white ‘murrum’ used to be re-laid on the makeshift 40m x 20m playfield. The goal-posts too would be smaller than the normal one. The four corners would have light towers erected. And all this would be borne by the game’s lovers.“We used to visit construction sites in search of white murrum. Truckloads of mud would be spread on the field,” said Qureshi, who works with Accountant General (AG) Office and is goal-keeper of AGRC team.
The tournament was not only for players. It was a sort of get-together for family members too. Families used to throng the venue and spend time enjoying the game.“Be it a player or a friend or a family member. Everyone would stay back till late night. There was no time barrier from local authorities as well as from family members. Hence, matches used to continue till midnight,” said Satish Fulsunge, who works with Central Excise.The tournament was a huge hit. Teams not only from Nagpur, but from other parts of Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh too were regular participants.
“Teams from Amravati, Bhandara, Wardha used to take part in the tournament apart from Madhya Pradesh. Bhilai Steel Plant too participated once. It was a league-cum-knock-out tournament and teams used to play around three to four matches,” Anil Daral, AG officer who was also instrumental in organising the tournament, recollected.
“We got a lot of help from the then Sadar corporator Sunil Agrawal. He helped us in getting electricity. Watering the ground was a big hurdle. But Mr Bundiwal offered water from his own boring well for all three years,” informed Qureshi, adding, “Kanchu Rajput of Rajput Restaurant used to provide drinks and snacks to players.”
The players bore the expenses first year. But after that sponsors and well wishers extended their help.“In the first year, it took around Rs 1,00,000 to organise the tournament. We all gave it from our pockets. But second year was different. Sponsors and well-wishers came forward on their own.
“The tournament became such a hit that one year, candidates contesting NMC elections made organising the tournament as a part of their manifesto,” Fulsunge said. Apart from Daral, Qureshi and Fulsunge, the other pillars of this tournament were Vivek Siriah, Kuldeep Reddy, Ravi James and Anil Fulsunge.With passage of time the cost of organising too went up. The third year was too costly. Around Rs 4,00,000 were spent and it became difficult to arrange funds.
The tournament saw an abrupt end due to unavoidable circumstances. The social get-together, too, lost to changing lifestyles.
One among the dreamers, Anil Fulsunge, passed away last year. His brother, Satish, re-started the six-a-side floodlit meet in his memory at VHA ground. Though the tournament is not held at Sadar, it has definitely rekindled old memories.
The only thing missing is the family atmosphere.

Twenty games on blue turf sufficient before London Olympics: Khandker

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, May 10

INDIAN coach Michael Nobbs and Australian Ric Charlesworth might have criticised the ‘Blue Monster’ turf at London Test Event but Indian striker Tushar Khandker finds no evil in the blue-pink rectangle on which hockey matches would be played during Olympics.
The Indian forward felt that 15-20 games on blue turf would be enough for India to get used to it.
After SV Sunil, Khandker too gave the new turf a thumbs up.
“It was a good experience. We played for the first time on the blue turf. Unfortunately we couldn’t win any game but we played really well. The way we performed in qualifiers, we played the same way at the London test event. The result was not in our favour but the performance was good,” said Khandker while talking exclusively to ‘The Hitavada’ from Bhopal.
Khandker said the team had no difficulty in sighting the yellow ball on blue turf but added that the turf was a bit slippery.
“Frankly speaking, there was no problem in sighting the ball as such but yes the new turf was a bit slippery. The turf was new and hence it was a bit slow and had a little bounce too. But that’s how any new turf behaves,” he said.
The Indian forward admitted that there was an issue with the turf regarding the ball moving fast on one side and getting slow while moving on the opposite.
“That problem was there. I don’t know the technical part of how the turf was laid but yes the ball used to move fast at some area. We had to hit the ball with a bit of more power so that it reaches the player in proper time. That was the only problem.”
India would be playing around 15 games on the blue turf before Olympic begins in July end and Khandker feels that it would be enough to prepare for the quadrennial event. India would be playing seven games at Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament then will travel to France for a six-match Test series and then will play two matches with Spain. All the matches would be played on blue turf.
“Why leave the four matches we played at London Test event. I think 20-odd matches would be sufficient. Above all we would be playing against top countries. That would be of great help. It’s not that we will be playing against lowly-ranked team.
“At Sultan Azlan Shah we would be playing Great Britain, Korea, Argentina, New Zealand and Pakistan. Then we will be going to play France and Spain. They all are top teams and it would be a good preparation for us. Twenty games against top teams would be good enough I think. Then we will be practising on the blue turf,” said Khandker.
The Indian forward doesn’t want to buy the theory that India should have played more games on the blue turf. “That’s not my concern. It’s not in my hand and I don’t have a choice. My job is to play for the country, give 100 per cent whatever the colour of the pitch,” asserted Khandker.
India failed to earn much short corners during the London Test event and the two time world cupper admitted that it was an area of concern.
“Yes, we forwards failed to earn much short corners for Sandeep (Singh) and Raghunath but in the coming tournaments we would work hard and try to give more opportunities to our drag flickers. We will work hard and wipe out this problem,” concluded Khandker.

We can throw up a surprise in Olympics: SV Sunil

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, May 9

INDIA have failed to register even a single win at the four-nation Olympic Test event in London but Somwarpet Vittalacharya Sunil is confident of the team throwing up a big surprise when the actual tournament begins.
Back in India after getting a feel of the new ‘Blue Monster’ turf, the goal machine of Indian hockey said the team was doing well at the top level and would perform much better in Olympics.
“At present we are standing at 85 per cent (fitness and performance wise) for Olympics. I promise a surprise to our hockey lovers (when the London Games begin in July end). I am confident that we will do something different this Olympics,” Sunil said while talking exclusively to ‘The Hitavada’ from Mumbai.
The Indian team played on the new blue turf for the first time in London and Sunil said it was a great experience while playing on the new turf.
“It was a great experience. The turf is totally different from the green turf.”
The Coorg striker said the turf was bumpy but the team did well despite playing on it for the first time.
“I think the blue turf is bumpy. At times we had difficulty in stopping the ball. The ball runs fast if played on one side and the speed reduces when played on the opposite. It breaks the momentum and flow of our moves but we will have to adjust to it. That’s all we can do. But I will give a big thumbs up to the blue turf,” explained Sunil, who had to miss 2010 World Cup due to a major injury in his right knee.
Sunil, who was instrumental in India’s qualification for London Olympics at the New Delhi qualifiers, felt that India should have started practicing on the blue turf much before like other countries. Germany, Australia, Britain are practicing on the new turf since last six months.
“The reason we lost is we were playing for the first time on the new blue turf. Had we started playing earlier the story would have been different,” said Sunil.
The forward said the four-nation test event helped the team a lot and they would iron out flaws while preparing for Olympics.
“We have to improve our scoring. The forwards need to convert more chances. In all the matches we got ample of chances but we didn’t utilise it. Had we converted them, who knows, we would have finished at the top,” said Sunil.
Sunil said the same bunch of players would go for Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament, starting from May 24.
Great Britain, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Argentina are participating in the tournament apart from hosts Malaysia.
“It will be a great build up for Olympics as some of the countries which are in our group in Olympics are also participating. Above all, the tournament will be played again on blue turf. That will help us a lot,” Sunil signed off.

London will be tougher: Chetri

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 27

THE celebrations continued till early morning. After a long wait of eight years, Indian hockey team is back in Olympic fold. The memories of Chile disaster four years ago where India failed to qualify for Beijing Olympics finally got wiped out on Sunday. Thus the extended celebrations.
The team celebrated their resounding 8-1 win over France but they all know that the road ahead is far tough. Indian captain and goal-keeper Bharat Chetri was aware of the task but said that the team was ready to work harder to face tougher teams.
Talking exclusively to ‘The Hitavada’ from New Delhi, Chetri said the team would work hard on fitness and look to iron out flaws.
Excerpts.
CELEBRATIONS AFTER THE WIN
“Personally the morning was bad. We celebrated till dawn. I still have a hangover (laughs). But that was necessary. For more than six months day in and day out we worked hard. We had no other agenda on our list. No parties, no spicy food. No outings. Nothing. Now that we have qualified and have a few days break, we can enjoy. It (the party) was necessary.
SUPPORT STAFF’S COMMENDABLE ROLE
“I would like to give the credit to entire team and specially the support staff. They worked hard behind the scene to make us match-fit for entire 70 minutes. Under coach Michael Nobbs they worked really hard. I would also like to thank Hockey India and Sports Ministry for providing us the best of facilities. Above all credit to the supporters who backed us all the way. It was because of them we gave 110 per cent on field.”
ONE-SIDED FINAL
“We were expecting an easy win (over France)...at least by six goals as we had defeated them in the league match (6-2). But an 8-1 margin was icing on the cake. We were confident that if we continue in the same rhythm we can beat them hands down. We did.”
TOUGHER ROAD AHEAD
“The Olympics would be much tougher. We will be facing top ranked teams. We will now be working much more harder for the Olympics. We will participate in the pre-Olympic test event in London where we can gauge their game. Definitely there are some grey areas but that happens when you play a weaker side. Your performance improves against a better ranked team. We would like to improve and do much better. When you play world’s best team, you get an idea about your strengths and weaknesses.”
CHANGES MAY BE NEEDED
“At present the team is excellent. The defence is great, midfielders are doing the best job and forwards are exceptional. But when you play tough teams you have to improve standard and take it to a higher level. If there are any better or extraordinary players then they should definitely get a chance. We would be assembling for the camp after a few days. Then only we can see who is better. At present I can’t say who can be included.”
SANDEEP THE TRUMP CARD
“Sandeep is much better than Dutchman Taeke Taekema and Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas. He has more power than the two and I think at present he is the best in the world. He will be our trump card in London. Not only him even Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh are now the best drag-flickers.”
ATTACKING HOCKEY
“Coach Nobbs has done a great job in bringing in the attacking game. With our skill and speed we can keep continuos pressure on the opponents’ circle. In the qualifiers our circle penetration was more than 60 per cent. If we continue to attack then we can goal-scoring opportunities. The more circle penetration the more the opponents are bound to commit mistake. I think this is the best way to move forward and we will continue to increase our speed and attacks.”
ROLLING SUBSTITUTION
“The seven minutes substitution gives every player much needed rest and time to regain stamina. Today’s hockey is only about speed. Every player has to run up and down on entire field. For that we need players with good stamina and speed. Those on the field give their best in those six-seven minutes which help in scoring goals. It’s like giving 100 per cent for six minutes and taking rest for next six minutes. In that way the entire team gives 100 per cent for entire 70 minutes which puts pressure on the opponents. I think it’s a good idea to keep players rotating and substituting.”

Halappa, Rajpal should have been
included for qualifiers: Ashok Kumar

By Paritosh Pramanik

HE MIGHT be in his early 60s but Ashok Kumar walks with élan on the natural green turf. The two-time Olympian, son of hockey wizard Major Dhyanchand, still looks as fit as in his prime. The World Cup winner, on a personal visit to the city, made it a point to bless Vidarbha Hockey Association’s green field, which he had dedicated to hockey players a few years back.
In an exclusive but informal chat with ‘The Hitavada’ at the ground, Ashok Kumar talked on various topics ranging from Indian team’s chances of qualifying for London Olympics to omission of Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh and World Series Hockey.

Excerpts:

Q. What are India’s chances in the qualifiers?
Ashok Kumar (AK): I think this is the best chance for India to qualify for London Olympics. If they can’t make this time then it would be very difficult in future. We would be playing at home, in front of home crowd. It would be an added advantage. Above all, other teams are not that tough as compared to the Germans, Dutch and Australians. I am sure India would book ticket for London at New Delhi.
Q. Are you happy with those selected for the qualifiers?
AK: Selectors have picked the best 18. Coach Michael Nobbs and selectors might have discussed on several points before picking these players. Under Nobbs the team has done well in the first Asian Champions Trophy and I hope they would perform much better.
Q. Do you think Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh should have been in the squad?
AK: Yes, I think Arjun is a utility player. He can be the lynchpin of the team. I think he should have been in the squad for the experience he brings in. Similarly, Rajpal should also have found place in the 18. The reason given by Hockey India that he has been dropped on poor fitness and the reply given by Rajpal (that no fitness test was taken) are contradicting. Such contradicting statements confuse general public and might hamper team’s performance.
Q. Do you think this is a fall-out of Halappa and Rajpal joining hands with Indian Hockey Federation-backed World Series Hockey?
AK: If that is the reason then it is hockey that would suffer. The two warring bodies should keep their fight out while selecting team for the country.
Q. Should Hockey India take help of former players?
AK: Yes, I am very much in favour of former players like Dhanraj Pillay and others be invited for their expertise. Former captain Dilip Tirkey is training the defenders. He knows present day’s hockey. Similarly, players who retired recently should be included in the scheme of things.
Q. Nobbs has proposed rotation in the team after every nine minutes. Do you favour this move?
AK: Not at all. Changing a player after every nine minutes would break the tempo. If the team is in attacking mode then you can’t pull out a forward. It would break the combination and flow. Even Dhanraj never played for full 35 minutes. He used to play for 20-25 minutes and then take break of two minutes to regain energy. Similarly, Nobbs should let the boys play for longer period and change only if he feels that a player is getting exhausted.
Q: Who would be the match winners for India in qualifiers?
AK: India’s chances would depend a lot on drag-flicker Sandeep Singh. He is a great player and world’s best drag-flicker. Raghunath too is exceptional. It would be great to see how Sardara Singh shows his skills. He has played as a defender (during World Cup). He also showed great stick work while playing as a forward. A lot would depend on him.
Q. Do you support World Series Hockey? Who would benefit from it?
AK: World Series Hockey is a great concept. Even though foreign players are playing in it, the series would benefit local talents. Fringe players, who are unable to showcase their talent would get a chance of rubbing shoulders with some of world’s greats. I think this is a great opportunity for Indian hockey. Sahara Parivar has increased sponsorship money to Indian hockey teams, Nimbus has pumped in money in form of WSH. I wish HI and IHF bury their egos and join hands for the benefit of the national game.

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT WAS a warm Monday afternoon and the sun was beating down hard on the lush green Vidarbha Hockey Association turf. Around 50 players from around India were warming up for the selection trials conducted by Accountant General (AG) office but the centre of attraction was at the far end, in the gallery. This German lady in her mid-30s was keenly watching the proceedings on the field. A foreign visitor at VHA was definitely a matter of curiosity. ‘The Hitavada’ find out the German connection in Indian hockey.
Andrea Thumshrin, ‘the foreigner’, is actually helping India in building a pool of hockey talent. The former Grade One German League hockey player had an astonishing tale to share with this newspaper. She sold her flat in Berlin to settle in India and start a hockey academy—Hockey Village India Foundation— in a remote village in Rajasthan. She is a globe-trotter but now finds herself at home in India.
On Jaipur-Agra Highway, in a nondescript village called Garh Himmat Singh in Dosa district, Andrea has started her Hockey Village India a year ago.
“It’s almost a year and half that I started this Hockey India Village. Since last one year I have started training kids from this village which has a population of just around 4000,” said Andrea about her dream project.
Andrea, who has a travel agency in Germany, is a vagabond. She first came to India some 12 years back. It was love at first sight as she fell in love with Jaipur on her first visit.
“I felt like home when I landed at Jaipur. Being a travel agent, I am a globe-trotter but at Jaipur I felt like home,” she said when asked about selecting India as her destination.
It was payback time for Andrea who almost made to the German national team but for a slip disc.
“That was the most unfortunate moment in my career. Had that injury not happened I would have played for the country. But no regrets. The game has given me a lot and I want to pay back,” said the lanky German.
It was a difficult task for Andrea to convince kids and their parents to play hockey. The biggest obstacle was the language barrier.
“To be honest, it was very difficult to convince the villagers that I want to give these kids a better life through sports and education. I didn’t have a clear idea on how and from where I could generate money. Nobody really understood what a white lady was doing in this remote village,” she recalled.
Andrea had to sell her flat in Berlin to fund his dream project.
“Last year I sold my flat to pump in some more money for my foundation. Kids are coming now. At present I have around 60 players, both boys and girls, practicing. We don’t have a full size hockey ground. The field is only a quarter of a full hockey field but the kids are learning and enjoying. Last year we played in the KD Singh Babu tournament in Gwalior. Though we lost, the boys got first experience of their life,” said Andrea with a twinkle in her eyes.
“After hockey World Cup last year, I managed to bring a few veteran players from Vienna to Garh Himmat Singh. They helped me in arranging hockey sticks, T-shirts and other equipment for the budding players,” she said.
Though it is very difficult to run the show, various private sport institutions specialising in hockey, some from Germany, have extended their support to her silent revolution.
“They are of great help. Now I have started to even teach these kids. After all education is also must. We have started with English because that’s language which can bridge the gap fast,” she said.
Andrea now has plans to lay astro-turf at Garh Himmat Singh.
“In Germany there are at least two astro-turfs with each club. I want to have one at Garh Himmat Singh. At present the kids are learning on chat (mud) ground. But I want to see them practice on turf like kids do in Germany,” she concluded.

AG Nagpur to recruit hockey players after 14 years

By Principal Correspondent

THE last time a hockey player got recruited in Accountant General (AG) was way back in 1997. After 14 long years, the one-time champions of League tournament has decided to conduct hockey trials and select five hockey players.
The selection trials started on Monday at Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) ground. A total of seven sportspersons will be selected through sports quota. Hockey got the major share as per their requirement. Football would be getting one and table tennis one.
Accountant General Recreation Club (AGRC) that used to play in local league and district tournament stopped taking part in the league due to paucity of players. The veterans stopped playing and those interested found it difficult to find fresh legs for a tournament. But now the scene would change.
The first day of the two-day trials saw 45 aspirants taking part. The trials would continue on Tuesday morning too. “Football trials would be held at Motibag ground on February 15 while selection for table tennis would be held in 16th. List of all seven selected players would be out within a week’s time,” informed AR Deshpande, Welfare Officer, Audit Office, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
Vinod Gavai, secretary, Vidarbha Hockey Association lauded the move by the government department. “It’s a great news for hockey in the region. From next season we would get one more competitive team for our league. Above all it would be beneficial for players who are in search of job. Recruitment in most of the government departments were nil and with AG starting it, sports recruitment would get a boost. It will also help budding players to take sports.”