HLP laughs off ‘land grabbing’ allegation

Sports Reporter

DISMISSING the allegations levelled by Hockey Promoters Panel (HPP) that a few members of Hockey Lovers Panel (HLP) had vested interest in Vidarbha Hockey Association’s ground pegged at Rs 250 crore, the HLP members termed it as ‘childish’ accusations.
HPP’s secretarial candidate Vinod Gawai, on Sunday, had alleged that a few members of HLP were more interested in the playfield worth Rs 250 crore.
On Wednesday, in a press conference, HLP members, headed by Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh and presidential candidate Radheshyam Sarda, asked when and how did they (HPP) calculate the cost of the playfield.
“They are making a laughing stock of themselves by levelling such allegations. We can only laugh off such childish accusations,” said Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh. “They were there in power for eight years (2006 to 2014). They might have officially calculated the cost of the land,” quipped Sarda.
“In our two-year tenure we have moved ahead with the proposal of astro turf at VHA ground. The files are in the phase of government clearance. It is because my team is committed for development of the game. We want an astro turf at VHA as soon as possible. The issue of land cost never cropped in our minds,” said Sarda.
-----------------------------
Treasurer Sharma issues cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer’

AFTER being severely criticised by several quarters for not releasing funds for VHA election, treasurer Shyam Sharma, on Tuesday, issued a vague cheque of Rs 40,000 clearly reflecting his intentions of non co-operation.
Sharma issued a crossed cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer’ on November 29, 2016 after VHA President Radheshyam Sarda once again requested him to release funds.
Election Officer Shreegopal Soni had showed inability to carry out the election process due to non availability of funds.
“Where on earth have you seen a cheque issued in the name of The Election Officer,” fumed Sarda.
“Sharma has decades of experience in banking sector. He retired as a bank employee. I think he knows banking procedure more than us. Will the election officer (Shreegopal Soni) accept this cheque? Can he open an account by such a name?” Sarda said.
“These are delaying tactics by Sharma,” he added.
When contacted, Sharma said, “I received a letter from VHA requesting release of funds for election process on Tuesday evening and I handed over the cheque to Pramod Jain.” But he failed to give any concrete answer as to why he issued a cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer.’ When prodded further Sharma said, “Let them issue me a proper letter, signed by both president and secretary, then I will see to it.”

VHA polls in limbo, pub on NOv 29, 2016.jpg

All allegations against me are baseless: Election officer Soni

 Sports Reporter

AMID blame game and responsibility-evading officials the scheduled election of the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) looks a non-starter in the near future.
After drawing flak from VHA officials for “keeping in abeyance” elections originally scheduled on November 27, the Election Officer Shreegopal Soni has reiterated that without funds and legal opinion he would not proceed further.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Soni yet again reminded the VHA officials that he would need funds to seek legal opinion on the High Court’s stay order on the voting rights of 51 new members. 
“I need funds to conduct election and seek legal opinion on the HC stay order.
“Without this I cannot proceed further,” Soni said.
Soni refuted all allegations levelled against him over his working. “A few members of the association, who till November 24 were praising my way of working, are levelling baseless allegations. I am not favouring anybody. The election process is transparent and time to time I have consulted spokespersons of both the panels,” clarified Soni.
“The legal fees is around Rs 20,000. I have to take opinion from top advocates regarding the High Court’s stay order. I can’t spend this amount from my pocket,” he added.
To a query as to how he continued without funds, Soni said, “Till now, the money I have spent on election process is from the funds generated from sale of nomination forms. A few thousands have been spent from my own pocket,” Soni revealed.
VHA treasurer Shyam Sharma, in the centre of controversy for not releasing funds, has had shown his inability to sign cheques. “I have no power to do so after the election date was announced,” he has reasoned.
In another embarrassing situation, the association, till date, has not changed the signatory in banks after the then secretary Vinod Trivedi resigned in January 2016 and DS Karunashankar was appointed in his place.
The association’s constitution, made in 1959, states “All cheques or drafts on the association’s bankers shall be operated both by the honorary treasurer and the honorary secretary.”
President Radheshyam Sarda, however, said that the association can release funds for election purpose at any given time. “They are making false statements that VHA can’t release funds after election date was announced,” said Sarda.

Meanwhile, the members are confused as to who would be in charge of the association if the election was called off. Some feel that the Sarda-led body cannot hold posts anymore after the election was announced.

HPP condemns election officer’s stand

Principal Correspondent

WITH over 60 odd voters, Hockey Promoters Panel (HPP) members, headed by Triloki Nath Sidhra, gathered in front of Vidarbha Hockey Association office on Sunday to condemn the decision of keeping election of the association in abeyance by Election Officer Shreegopal Soni. 
Soni announced his decision to keep it in abeyance on the eve of the election.
In a show of strength, supporters of Hockey Promoters Panel attended the ‘gate meeting’ and claimed that they have already won the election.
Hockey Promoters Panel’s presidential candidate BC Bhartia said a lot of mud-slinging is going on which has to be stopped.
“Mud-slinging should not be there in sports and sports administration. It has to be stopped. Soni has maligned the image of the association in entire Vidarbha. He has made mockery of the association by declaring that the association has not made provision for funds. When he confessed that he had written a letter demanding funds on Nov 1, 2016 then how and why he carried out the election process till Nov 26 if the funds were not released,” asked Bhartia.
“Even the ballot papers are manipulated. The names of candidates has to be in alphabetical order but it is not so which is prepared by the EC,” alleged Bhartia.
Life member HCV ‘Baba’ Rocque asked in what capacity the election officer kept the election on hold.
“Did election officer has any power to put the election on hold,” asked Rocque.
Former secretary Vinod Gawai, informed that since 1987 till 2005 there was no proper elected body of the association hence the question of incorporating new members doesn’t arise.
“When there was no balance sheet made nor any AGM held since 1987 to 2005, how come 51 members got enrolled in 1989,” asked Gawai.
“Some people have vested interest in this 4-acre VHA land which is in prime locality. The ground which has a market value of over RS 250 crores. Members should understand this and come forward to save it,” alleged Gawai.
“It is very painful that politics is being played in the name of hockey,” he added.
Another life member RK Mishra suggested that Hockey Promoters Panel should give a letter to Charity Commissioner with list of new office bearers.
“We should ask Charity Commissioner to appoint our new body as ad-hoc body to carry out day to day work.” Sidhra seconded Mishra’s suggestion.
“The council can appoint a body. We should appoint a temporary executive body and submit it to Charity Commissioner and ask them to hold election under its watchful eye,” felt life member Anil Agrawal.

VHA election put on hold

Lack of legal clarity after HC order forces election officer to put poll “in abeyance”

Principal Correspondent

THE much-awaited election of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), scheduled on Sunday, has been “kept in abeyance” by the election officer Shreegopal Soni after the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court ruled against inclusion of 51 life members in voters’ list.
Due to lack of clarity over the legal process following the HC order, Soni decided to keep the election process in abeyance. The decision was conveyed to both Hockey Lovers and Hockey Promoters Panel on Saturday evening.
Immediately after Soni’s announcement, members of Hockey Lovers and Hockey Promoters Panel started blaming each other for the ‘mess’. A mild commotion took place amongst the members who were immediately pacified by those present.
VHA life member and treasurer Shyam Sharma had moved Court on November 18 demanding removal of 51 new life members from the voters’ list for the election scheduled on November 27. VHA, in mid-October, had included 51 new members following Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order passed in May 2015.
Sharma was against inclusion of new members and even had sought explanation from secretary DS Karunashankar for delay in submitting the order. The order was presented to the VHA executive 16 months after it was passed. Sharma then approached High Court requesting to set aside the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order as it was presented before the executive committee just a few days before the elections were declared.
The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court passed an order on Friday setting aside the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order of granting membership and voting rights to 51 new members.
High Court order stated, “Since the elections are scheduled on 27.11.12016 and since we prima facie find that the Deputy Charity Commissioner, Nagpur did not have the jurisdiction to direct the petitioner to permit 51 members to attend the meeting and to vote in the election, the impugned order is stayed, till the returnable date.”
On Saturday, citing very less time to study the High Court’s order and making necessary changes in the election process, election officer Soni decided to keep the election in abeyance.
Soni displayed a letter on the notice board of the association stating: 1. “Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, Nagpur bench has passed an order dated 25th November, 2016 in WP No 6544 of 2016. The said copy has been handed over to me by TN Sidhra on 25th Nov 2016 at 07:15 pm.
2. “That, it is necessary for me to take legal opinion in the matter before proceeding further in the matter. This shall take some time and involve substantial expenditure.
3. “That, incidentally Vidarbha Hockey Association, in spite of my written request letter dated 1st November, 2016 has not released any fund for conducting elections. That, in view of the above, further election process is being kept in abeyance.”
Soni said, “it is now upto the VHA executive committee to take decision and release funds if they want me to take any further steps in the election process.”
------------------

Will call emergent EC meeting soon: Sarda

VIDARBHA Hockey Association (VHA) president Radheshyam Sarda said he would call an emergent meeting as soon as he receives the notice from Election Officer Shreegopal Soni.
The election officer handed over the notice to VHA joint secretary Pramod Jain immediately after handing over the abeyance notice to the members of Hockey Lovers and Hockey Promoters Panel.
“I have not yet seen the letter. Once I get it, I will decide on when to call an emergent meeting,” said Sarda.
“I have requested treasurer Shyam Sharma on several occasions to sign the cheque so that funds could be released for election process but he didn’t,” said Sarda.
SARDA HAS NO POWER TO CALL MEETING: SIDHRA
HOCKEY Promoters Panel’s founder president Triloki Nath Sidhra said VHA president Radheshyam Sarda has no power now to call emergent meeting as the election process is under way.
“He has no power to call an emergent meeting. Even if he calls one, we will not participate in it as he is no more the president of the association. The election process is under way. How can he (Sarda) call a meeting now,” asked Sidhra.
“During the last meeting of executive body I had asked Sarda to release Rs 70-80,000 for election purpose but he didn’t listen. Now he has no power to call the meeting,” claimed Sidhra.
He also questioned the election officer’s decision to put the elections in abeyance. “High Court order states that the membership and voting rights of 51 members were stayed. Nowhere it is ordered to postpone or put the elections in abeyance. Soni should have removed those 51 members’ names and moved ahead with the elections,” Sidhra stated.

HC stays voting rights to VHA’s 51 new members

Principal Correspondent

IN A major boost to the confidence and chances of Hockey Promoters Panel in the ensuing November 27 Vidarbha Hockey Association’s (VHA) elections, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court stayed the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order on granting life membership and voting rights to 51 members, on Friday.
VHA treasurer Shyam Sharma, who is also contesting for the vice-president’s post, had approached High Court against the inclusion of new 51 life members in the voters list, just before the elections.
The order passed by Justices Vasanti Naik and Swapna Joshi states, “None appears on behalf of the respondent No 2 (GM Pillay) and No 4 (Secretary VHA) though served. Since the elections are scheduled on 27.11.12016 and since we prima facie find that the Deputy Charity Commissioner, Nagpur did not have the jurisdiction to direct the petitioner to permit 51 members to attend the meeting and to vote in the election, the impugned order is stayed, till the returnable date.”
This means the new 51 members will not be entitled to cast their votes in the election.
VHA president Radheshyam Sarda said he did not receive the court notice as he was out of town since last three days. “I was in Aurangabad since last three days and returned yesterday evening. I did not get any notice. VHA secretary DS Karunashankar was indisposed and got discharge from hospital today evening” he said.
Meanwhile, Hockey Promoters Panel’s presidential candidate BC Bhartia said it is a moral victory to his camp. “It is definitely a moral victory for us. However, there were voters who would have cast their votes in our favour. But we now have the upper hand,” claimed Bhartia.
Meanwhile, Election Officer Shreegopal Soni said he received the order copy and will take legal opinion before taking any decision.
“I received the order copy around 36 hours before the elections. I will have to take legal opinion on what can be done.
The election officer will have to take a decision on whether to reject the nomination forms of those candidates whose proposer and seconder are from the new 51 members’ list. He will also have to remove any candidate contesting for any post from the list of 51 members.
“I will take a decision on Saturday evening,” said Soni.

Sharma moves HC demanding removal of 51 VHA members

n By Paritosh Pramanik

JUST two days before the election of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), treasurer Shyam Sharma has moved the High Court demanding removal of 51 new life members who were recently included in the voters’ list.
VHA, in mid-October, had included 51 new members following deputy charity commissioner’s order passed in May 2015. Sharma was against the move and even sought explanation from secretary DS Karunashankar for delay in submitting the order. The order was presented to the VHA executive 16 months after it was passed. Sharma has now approached the High Court requesting to set aside the deputy charity commissioner’s order as it was presented before the executive committee on the day when elections were declared.
“I am not against elections. I only want those 51 members should not be allowed to cast their votes in this election. Hence I have approached the court praying to set aside the deputy charity commissioner’s order dated May, 2015. The order was presented before the executive committee committee after 16 months (in October, 2016),” Sharma told ‘The Hitavada’.
Sharma has made former VHA incharge secretary Gurumurthy Pillay and Vidarbha Hockey Association party in the case.
When contacted, VHA president Radheshyam Sarda said he has not received any notice from the court while Pillay confirmed about receiving it on Wednesday evening.
Sharma, along with TN Sidhra, Kishor Goydani and Sanjay Lokhande, had opposed the timing of inclusion of 51 members during the executive committee meeting. “The reason to oppose the adoption is that when the certified copy of the judgement was procured by (DS) Karunashankar in May 2015 why did he keep it under wraps for 16 months. Suddenly they come up with the list of members and order. Why was it not put before the committee when he got the copy of the judgement 16 months back,” Sharma had asked.
Sharma was one of the intervenors along with Vinod Gawai in the case.

Not holding VHA elections after one year was a mistake: Sarda

Sports Reporter
Nagpur, Nov 20
VIDARBHA Hockey Association (VHA) president and presidential candidate of Hockey Lovers Panel conceded that his body made a mistake by not holding association’s elections after completion of their one year tenure in November 2015.
Sarda apologised all the stakeholders but said that the association did not have proper books of accounts which forced them to postpone the election for two years.
The election of the association are going to be held on November 27 at VHA office, Amravati Road.
Addressing a press conference, Sarda said, “the cheque book, receipt books are still with Shyam Sharma (treasurer). He also did not release funds for election purpose. Since early 2015 we did not get support from Sharma.”
Sarda rolled out all the ‘achievements’ of his body in the last two years but failed to give concrete reply on not holding district tournament and not approaching Hockey India for annual grant.
“There are two associations in almost every districts affiliated with VHA. It was very difficult to organise a district tournament as we were not sure which body is legal,” replied the VHA president.
On Hockey India’s grant, Sarda accepted that they did a mistake of not contacting the country’s hockey governing body on the issue. “To avail a grant, proper audited accounts is needed. When we came into power, we did not get all the relevant documents from previous body. Later, we could not prepare audited accounts due to non co-operation from treasurer. We did not contact Hockey India on the issue for a solution for which we accept our mistake,” said Sarda.
On his body’s tenure, Sarda said they tried to conduct almost all the regular tournaments.
Sarda said the association is progressing in the right direction on acquiring Astro Turf at Nagpur.
“Maharashtra Government has recommended the proposal to the Central Government in the month of April. We have approached BJP sports Cell chief Rani Nighot Dwivedi, a former hockey player from Nagpur, to look after our proposal,” Sarda informed.
Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh, Sanat Vora, Sunil Agrawal, GM Pillay, Salim Baig, AP Joshi and all other candidates of Hockey Lovers Panel were also present during the press conference.

A Revolutional Change of Guard

Under Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, FIH will grow like never before

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Nov 13, 2016

“This jacket I am wearing today is of my son...I am really proud of him,” an emotional Dr Narinder Batra said in Dubai on Saturday immediately after he was elected as the president of International Hockey Federation, The FIH.
Dr Batra, the Hockey India President, lost his son at a young age of 27 on October 30, 2014 while holidaying with family in Morocco. Since then, the former Jammu and Kashmir hockey player has incorporated his son’s name as his middle name. Today, the world knows him as Narinder Dhruv Batra.
Dr Batra loved his son the most, like every other parent do. But incorporating son’s name as middle name is seldom heard of. Dr Batra has always tried to do something new, unique and unheard of. Same he did with Indian hockey transforming it from a pennyless federation to one of the richest among Olympic playing sports federation in the country.
From leading Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association in early 2000 to heading world hockey (FIH), Dr Batra has won many a hearts world over with his ‘abrasive’ style of working.
His election as the president of world hockey is seen as a ‘new revolution.’
Dr Batra, “The newcomer’ to the administration of international hockey, garnered 68 votes out of eligible 118 to emerge victors defeating Ireland’s David Balbirnie (29 votes) and Australia’s Ken Read (13), both long-time FIH members.
Dr Batra’s appointment as FIH chief is more creditable as he was up against giants of the FIH administrative structure having decade-long association and experience of running the game at the world level as compared to his association with the world hockey governing body.
It needed a lot of hard work from Hockey India president to win confidence of members, world over. He travelled to length and breadth, from one continent to another in last one month. In his own words he had “had breakfast in one country, lunch in another and dinner in third across the continent in one single day.”
This touch-and-go sojourn was only to win hearts (and votes) of hockey playing nations that had blindly supported European candidates since FIH came into existence way back in early 1900. The wandering Dr Batra managed to convince 68 nation’s representatives how he could bring a ‘revolution’ in hockey. Definitely, he gave example of Indian hockey which has grown leaps and bounds since 2008.
It was Dr Batra who changed the face of Indian hockey, brought in money and took the national game back to a respectable height.
For some Dr Batra is abrasive, but many believe that his aggressiveness is the reason for the growth of Indian hockey. After India failed to qualify for 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sports Ministry and Indian Olympic Association disbanded Indian Hockey Federation and Hockey India was born with Dr Batra as its first treasurer.
With his stupendous administrative and marketing capability, Dr Batra, who also worked as the treasurer of Delhi District Cricket Association, raked in crores of rupees in Indian hockey through big sponsorship deals.
Well aware of the significance of marketing a sport in India, Dr Batra made full use of India’s financial might and roped in the best corporates of the country who pumped in money in crores for revival of the game. The start of Hockey India League, though not the first in India, helped hockey grow like never before. HIL forced other ‘developed’ countries to look up at India and also take it seriously.
With his tremendous marketing skills, Dr Batra made empty coffers of Hockey India ringing. Such flawless was his planning that India became one of the richest sports governing federations in India, after cricket, in less than a decade. And he would use all his brains to make FIH a financially healthy federation.
While campaigning as a presidential candidate of FIH, Dr Batra had said that he would not change his abrasive style of working. This shows how straightforward man he is. Dr Batra wants to call Spade a Spade and never believes in speaking behind the back to gain favours.
In 2005 he had waged a war against then IHF president KPS Gill questioning several of his decisions. He had also openly opposed breaching of the federation constitution and had also sought financial auditing of the IHF.
In 2014, Dr Batra waged a war against FIH during Champions Trophy where India lost the semi-finals to Australia due to wrong decision of video umpire during shoot-out.
Apart from his straightforwardness, Dr Batra has the best marketing brain at present in Indian hockey which he would definitely use in promoting the game at world level. It is no hidden secret that Dr Batra would use his uncanny way of marketing in an attempt to expand the reach of hockey in those parts of the world where it has never been before.
To make the game grow, Dr Batra has started Hockey 5s in India with the first nationals in Pune, recently. Similarly, the 20-min per half game would be popularised worldwide which can attract major corporate houses of the world. That would top Dr Batra’s priority list. He wants to expand the boundaries of hockey playing nations from 14 to over 40. And promoting Hockey 5s would help him in his maiden endeavour. FIH needs money to keep the game moving and Dr Batra has already chalked out a few developmental and promotional plans which he would put forth the FIH executive board when they meet in coming days.
Like his late son’s jacket, Dr Batra loves hockey to the core. His passion for the game is undeniable and with his skills and dexterity, the new FIH chief will definitely take hockey to the unknown. 
Under him, FIH and hockey will only grow like never before.
n

Battlelines drawn

26 in fray for 13 posts

Vinod Gawai, DS Karunashankar to fight for secretary’s post

n Principal Correspondent

THE Battlelines are finally drawn. Incumbent president Radheshyam Sarda will once again lock horns with former chief of Vidarbha Hockey Association BC Bhartia for president’s post in the ensuing November 27 election to be held at VHA office.
Former VHA vice-president DS Karunashankar, who was appointed as secretary after Vinod Trivedi resigned from his post early this year, will face a tough fight from former secretary of the association Vinod Gawai.
Twenty-six candidates from two panels—Hockey Lovers Panel and Hockey Promoters Panel— will be fighting for 13 posts of executive committee after eight candidates withdrew their nominations from various posts on the last day of withdrawal.
Total 427 voters including 99 affiliated units and 51 new life members will cast their votes to elect the new body for one year’s tenure.
As reported by ‘The Hitavada’ Trilokinath Sidhra, who had filed his nominations for the posts of treasurer and secretary, withdrew from both the posts.
But Shyam Sharma, who had held VHA treasurer’s post since 2005, decided to contest for vice-president’s post. 
Surprisingly, Sidhra and Sharma both had termed the election process illegal in a press conference, recently. Ghahshyam Purohit, who had held the treasurer’s post for a brief period in Bhartia-Gawai regime will be up against KC Fulsunge for treasurer’s post while Pramod Jain will once again take on Bhaskar Naidu for joint secretary’s post.
The results will be declared on November 27 night.

Sidhra-Gawai join hands?

Rivals Hockey Promoters Panel and Hockey Lovers Panel approach Hockey Development Panel to join hands with them for Nov 27 polls

By Paritosh Pramanik

HECTIC parleys are on between all the three contesting panels ahead of the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) elections scheduled on November 27.
With none of the three panels sure of clear majority, members of three panels—Hockey Lovers Panel (HLP), Hockey Development Panel (HDP) and Hockey Promoters Panel (HPP) —have started talks to form the best possible group to rule the game in Vidarbha.
With Triloki Nath Sidhra’s Hockey Promoters Panel not purchasing nomination forms, speculations were rife on Monday about the former secretary and current vice-president joining hands with BC Bhartia-Vinod Gawai’s Hockey Development Panel.
Though none from both the panels—Hockey Promoters and Hockey Development—confirmed the alliance, insiders claimed that both have come together to wrest the 13-member executive committee.
Sources also revealed that Sidhra and Sharma have decided not to contest this election and support Bhartia-Gawai panel from outside.
If sources are to be believed, Sadar’s Hockey Lovers Panel members, too, had several rounds of talks with members of Bhartia-Gawai Panel but to no avail.
“HLP had offered to join hands and fight this election with Bhartia-Gawai panel this time. There was an offer to divide 12 posts among Hockey Lovers Panel and Hockey Development Panel and give the president’s post to Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh,” the source revealed.
“But members of Hockey Development Panel have demanded that members above 70 years of age should now stop from contesting and give chance to relative young members,” the source added.
Rumours also had it that Promoters Panel demanded secretary’s post for Sidhra from Development Panel members which was turned down.
“Talks are still on between them whether to vacate secretary’s post or not,” sources informed, adding, “but their members are of the view that Gawai is the best person for secretary’s post.”
Gawai was secretary of the association from 2007 to 2014 and has won many accolades for his style of functioning.
“Hockey Lovers Panel are all but sure to field incumbent President Radheshyam Sarda again for the top post and septuagenarian DS Karunashankar as the candidate for secretary’s post,” said a close associate of lovers panel.
The exact panel would be clear only by Tuesday or Wednesday when candidates file their nomination forms.
The last date for withdrawal is November 13.

Thirty-five nomination forms sold

Principal Correspondent

THE Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) election process gained momentum and moved to second level with the start of sale of nomination forms on Sunday. 
The election of the association will be held on November 27 at VHA office, Amravati Road.
Thirty-five nomination forms were sold on the first day of sale of forms.
Ruling Hockey Lovers Panel purchased 13 forms for 13 available posts while members of Hockey Development Panel purchased 21 forms. One single form was purchased by Harish Kothari, affiliated unit member (from Swaminarayan School). The last date of sale of nomination form is November 7 till 5 pm.
Hockey Promoters Panel preferred to take time and might purchase their nomination forms on Monday. 
A triangular fight is expected in the ensuing election with Triloki Nath Sidhra leading his Hockey Promoters Panel.
Assistant Election officers Adv Gopikishan Soni and CA Balkishan Bang sold the forms in absence of Election Officer Shreegopal Soni.
In the last elections held in November 2014, the alliance of Hockey Lovers and Hockey Promoters Panel had dethroned Hockey Development Panel to wrest all 13 posts.
But differences sprouted immediately between the two panels and this time both decided to part ways and fight on their own.  The last date of submission of nomination form is November 9 while scrutiny of forms will be held on November 11.
Candidates willing to withdraw their forms from contesting can do so by November 13.

VHA elections unconstitutional: Sidhra

n Principal Correspondent

AFTER the 2005, 2006-07 and 2007-08 elections of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) declared illegal by the Charity Commissioner, the ensuing November 27 polls of the hockey governing body of Vidarbha seem heading in the same direction.
VHA vice-president Triloki Nath Sidhra, who is also president of Hockey Promoters Panel, and treasurer Shyam Sharma claimed that the November 27 election of the association “is not (being held) as per the constitution of VHA”.
On Saturday, addressing a press conference, where executive member Sanjay Lokhande and former treasurer Shiv Singh Rathod were also present, Sidhra alleged several irregularities in the election process.
Sharma said no proper audit was made as he did not receive any “vouchers/bills and did not pass national participation (by teams) expenditure nor gave it to Hon Treasurer so that proper audit of account could be prepared.”
Sidhra said, “The Hon Secretary did not send any notice/information to any d

istricts, regarding holding of VHA election on 27-11-2016 for their nomination/representation.”
Sharma also alleged that he did not receive several vouchers of cheques issued by the president and secretary. “This election is unconstitutional as there are irregularities in the process and no proper audit has been done.”
Sidhra stated that during the general meeting held on February 21, 2016, some members alleged that VHA’s important documents and vouchers were burnt by some of the present executive members. “I have asked for an explanation on this issue but till date did not receive any reply,” Sidhra said.
When asked whether he had seen the video (taken by Gawai and associates) of burnt documents which he claims to be important, Sidhra replied in affirmative but was not sure whether the said “documents” were important or waste papers.
Sidhra also alleged that there was complaint against joint secretary Pramod Jain by the sub-junior girls’ hockey players and manager but no action had been taken.
Sharma doubted intentions of the then vice-president and present secretary DS Karunashankar of bringing out the list of 51 life members on the day when the elections were announced (Oct 12, 2016). “He (Karunashankar) had procured the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order on May 25, 2015 but informed the executive committee on October 12, 2016, the day when elections were announced.
“This is all with ill-intentions to derive benefit during elections,” he alleged.
“I have always said that I am not against elections. At present I don’t have time to move court against those 51 life members. But I will challenge their inclusion in the voters’ list and the new body after the elections is over,” warned Sharma.
-------------
All vouchers, receipts are with VHA, claims Sarda

VIDARBHA Hockey Association President Radheshyam Sarda said all allegations of treasurer Shyam Sharma were baseless and informed that all the vouchers and receipts were at VHA office.
“All the vouchers and receipts are with the association in the office. Treasurer Shyam Sharma’s claims of irregularities are baseless. He never co-operated with us and never remained present in the office. Hence we have permitted joint secretary Pramod Jain to collect affiliation fees and spend funds for the daily use as and when needed. All the vouchers are with the association,” Sarda claimed.

Objections raised on voters’ list

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nov 3, 2016

VIDARBHA Hockey Association (VHA) ground is suddenly witnessing increasing footfalls these days. Life members and executive committee members, who hardly come to watch matches round the year, were seen thronging the venue on Wednesday evening.
The venue for November 27 elections was abuzz with life members and representatives of affiliated units submitting objection letters to Election Officer Shreegopal Soni.
As many as 13 objection letters were submitted on the last day of objection on voters’ list to the election officer.
While most of the letters were related to inclusion of missing names in the voters’ list, a few from district associations also approached the election officer for voting rights in the ensuing elections.
Rajendra Sharma, president of Hockey Association of Wardha District, submitted his letter asking to grant him the voting right.
Sharma had cast his vote in the 2014 elections of the association.
In his letter Sharma, who was the vice-president of the association in 2005, stated that Hockey Association of Wardha has paid the affiliation fee for 2015-16 and 2016-17 which proves that his district association is legally affiliated with VHA.
“We request you to consider the above submission carefully and grant permission to Rajendra Sharma to participate and exercise his right to vote at the ensuing election to VHA 2016,” the letter stated.
Similarly, former VHA secretary Vinod Gawai, Ravindra Francis, Unnat Khanna, Ratish Khanna, Ashok Sakargaye claimed that they were made patrons and life members in 2005 by the then president Radheshyam Sarda and treasurer Shyam Sharma but still their names are missing from the voters’ list. They all submitted their objection letter and requested the election officer to include their names before the final list is displayed on November 4.
Objection was also raised on the inclusion of 51 life members.
Election officer Soni has asked all the aggrieved parties to meet him at VHA office on Thursday evening.
“I have asked them to discuss their objections on Thursday evening and sort out problems, if any, amicably,” said Soni.
--------------------------------

Treasurer Sharma ‘refuses’ 
to release funds for election
THE internal fight amongst VHA officials has now come out in open. The ruling body was elected unopposed in 2014 after Sadar group, under the leadership of Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh, and archrivals for decades TN Sidhra’s Hockey Promoters Panel joined hands to dethrone Bhartia-Gawai led Hockey Development Panel.
But immediately after winning the elections, differences started growing which continues till date.
After election officer Shreegopal Soni wrote to Radheshyam Sarda requesting release of funds for election on Tuesday, the VHA president wrote a letter to treasurer Shyam Sharma to release funds.
With no reply from Sharma till Wednesday evening, Sarda verbally asked Sharma to release funds but Sharma ‘refused’ stating the “proposal to release funds for election was not passed by the executive committee in the meeting held before the election dates were declared.” Altercation between the two continued and Sharma said he would reply to the letter soon.
Surprisingly, VHA executive committee, till date, has not changed the name of signatory (secretary) in the bank after Vinod Trivedi, the then secretary, resigned from his post and DS Karunashankar was appointed in his place.

427 to cast votes in VHA elections

 By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR Nov 1, 2016
WITH the inclusion of 51 ‘fresh’ life members, the number of voters of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) has swelled up to 427. The VHA elections are scheduled on November 27. 
Election officer Shrigopal Soni displayed voters’ list at VHA office, Amravati road on October 29. Apart from the addition of 51 life members, who were included after Deputy Charity Commissioner’s orders, 17 district units have got affiliated with the association.
Out of these 17 districts very few have participated in district tournaments of VHA. If reports are to be believed, out of the 17 district units, several associations are already affiliated with Hockey Maharashtra.
“It’s vote bank politics. Several district units are affiliated with VHA only to secure votes,” said a member of the ruling group. “How can these units get affiliation with two state bodies,” the member asked.
Similarly, ‘B’ division clubs have also gone up with 31 getting affiliation in the election season. There are 13 colleges, 27 schools and 11 senior division clubs this season.
In 2014 elections there were only 36 units affiliated with VHA. The number has swelled this year around three fold to 99.
Possibility of life members raising objection on the voters’ list cannot be ruled out as treasurer Shyam Sharma had said on record that he would not allow the 51 members to vote. 
Similarly, objection might also be raised on inclusion of district units which are said to be affiliated with Hockey Maharashtra. Last date for raising objections is November 2. 

Type of Membership Voters
Patron Members           6
Life Members               322
Affiliated Members
District Associations 17
Senior Division Clubs 11
‘B’ Division Clubs         31
Colleges                         13
Schools                         27

Total Voters               427

In polls season, over 100 units affiliate with VHA

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur, Oct 27

IF ONE goes by number of affiliated units, the hockey scene in Vidarbha looks rosy and quite healthy. But actually it is at its lowest ebb.
With elections of the association round the corner (Nov 27), over 100 units, including schools, clubs, colleges and district units suddenly sprouted up and got affiliated with VHA.
Though election officer Shrigopal Soni did not reveal the names of affiliated units, he informed that 99 affiliated units have sent their representation letters on the final day of submission of names of representatives (Oct 26).
“One unit submitted its application with representative name after stipulated time and his letter was not accepted. Now only the head of that unit will have right to cast the vote (on Nov 27) if needed,” said Soni.
Twenty schools had participated in the last year’s inter-school tournament conducted by VHA. But the number has suddenly swollen this time. If one of the life members is to be believed the figure has crossed 30 mark. Same is the case with clubs and district units who hardly have hockey teams but are ‘forced’ to get affiliated with the association by those few who want to secure their vote bank.
The voters list will be displayed on Oct 29 and objections to it will be accepted on Nov 1 and 2. Over 400 voters are expected to participate in this election.

All India U-17 hockey at Kalmeshwar in Dec

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur, Oct 25

WITH an aim to promote hockey and encourage sports culture in rural areas, the National Council for Sports and Youth Development (NCSYD), New Delhi has decided to hold an all India inter-school (Under-17) hockey tournament at Kalmeshwar.
Located 25 kms from Nagpur, Kalmeshwar will thus become the first town from the region to play host to the hockey tournament in which school teams from all over the country take part. The tournament will be held in the month of December (16-21).
NCSYD, a non-profit organisation, is working towards the development of children and empowerment of youth through the medium of sports.
The body has also organised all India cricket, volleyball, throwball tournaments for schools all over the country.
NCSYD President Dr Surya Prakash Yadav, along with 1980 Moscow Olympic Games gold medalist Maharaj Krishan Kaushik, Dr Asif Sheikh, Working President, Maharashtra Unit, Pramod Thakre, Vice-President, Maharashtra Unit inspected the Nagar Parishad School in Kalmeshwar on Monday afternoon. They were satisfied with the location and the boarding facilities at the Nagar Parishad School.
“The ground needs to be rolled and levelled a bit. 
“We are very happy with the location. The ground also has stands for spectators to sit and enjoy the matches,” said Dr Yadav while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at the venue.
Informing more about the tournament, Dr Yadav said, “The organisation is also conducting Under-14 all India meet in Pimpri, Pune in November and Under-19 meet in Bangalore in March next year apart from the Nagpur event.”
Interested schools will have to register themselves on-line with NCSYD.
“Top 16 schools from the country will be selected by our panel for the tournament. They will be divided in four pools. Top teams from each pool will make it to the semi-finals,” informed Dr Yadav.
“All our hockey tournaments are held under the auspices of Hockey India. The technical assistance will be provided by Hockey India,” added Dr Yadav.
“There is no dearth of talent. We need to tap them at the right place. Some of the best hockey players India has produced have come from rural and tribal areas,” said Olympian Arjuna and Shiv Chhatrapati Award winner MK Kaushik.
Coach of 2012 Commonwealth Games gold winning women’s team, Kaushik said, “We have to dig deeper to get diamonds. The Tirkeys, Lakras, Barlas...all have come from tribal belts and shone at the top-most level. We have to find them in towns, villages and hinterlands and make them shine at top.”

Atal counters Sharma’s claims

Nobody voted against 51 members in EC meeting: Atal

Nagpur, Oct 16
n By Paritosh Pramanik

AFTER two days of claims and counter claims over the incorporation of 51 life members of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), senior-most office-bearer and VHA vice-president Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh has raised a ‘constitutional’ point stating ‘no voting took place against the 51 members in the executive meeting’.
Singh said constitutionally voting is necessary if there is opposition to any proposal. “There can be a difference of opinion but to oppose any proposal in the executive meeting there has to a voting,” he explained.
VHA treasurer Shyam Sharma, vice-president TN Sidhra, Kishor Goydani and executive member Sanjay Lokhande, on Thursday, opposed the incorporation of 51 members in the VHA body. They said they may appeal against the decision in higher court.
Singh, however, said no dissent was noted against the 51 members. “All members were aware of the judgement but nobody spoke about it until it came out in open. There were discussions on the adoption of the members. But there was no voting on the issue,” he said.
Explaining his point, Singh said, “Opposition means you have to raise your hand to vote against any decision. That never took place during the meeting. Nobody voted against the adoption of 51 life members. They should have asked for voting. The members were unanimously adopted.”
“There was difference of opinions (during the meeting). Sharma differed and he has every right. He has his point of view. All other members also put forth their views. But nobody gave a note of dissent,” Singh informed about the proceedings of the executive committee meeting of Wednesday.
“All members were aware of the judgement. DS Karunashankar was waiting for GM Pillay to inform to VHA about the judgement as he was the applicant. Pillay did not submit the order copy in time (in May 2015) to VHA. In that way all are at fault for not informing VHA about the judgement.
“The best part is nobody complained when the order was passed 16 months back. Now, when it has come out in open, members are questioning its timing. Why didn’t the opposite party move higher court when the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order was passed in May 2015,” Singh questioned.
Atal challenged Sharma and others to swear on oath that they have objected during the executive committee meeting.
Coming out in support of Karunashankar, Singh asked why nobody is blaming Sharma who was also one of the intervenors. “Shyam Sharma was one of the intervenors. Why did he keep the order under wraps. It was everybody’s fault. Not only Karunashankar even Sharma is at fault for keeping the association in dark for 16 months,” said Singh.
Meanwhile, Karunashankar preferred not to comment on the issue. “I don’t want to comment on the issue. I will reply to the executive committee on October 16 during the executive committee meeting,” he said.

Won’t allow 51 members to vote: Sharma

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur, Oct 15
DEMANDING an explanation from secretary DS Karunashankar as to why the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s judgement on 51 members was kept under wraps for 16 months, VHA treasurer Shyam Sharma, vice-president TN Sidhra, Kishor Goydani and executive member Sanjay Lokhande have decided to appeal against the decision and stop the ‘new members’ to contest and vote in the association’s elections. VHA polls are scheduled in the third week of November.
On Wednesday, VHA had decided to incorporate 51 members who were made life members in 1989.
The Deputy Charity Commissioner’s decision along with the order copy were submitted to VHA by former VHA incharge secretary, GM Pillay along with a letter to incorporate the members. The same was put before the executive committee on Wednesday and the decision was taken to include them.
Certified copy of that order was procured by DS Karunashankar.
According to VHA treasurer Shyam Sharma, he along with three other members of the executive committee—Vice-presidents Sidhra, Goydani and Lokhande—opposed the decision to incorporate those 51 members.
“We are not talking about the order (the judgement). We questioned the adoption of the list of 51 members. We are definitely against the adoption.
“President (Radheshyam) Sarda is giving wrong statements that nobody opposed the adoption of the list of members. They are telling lies. I asked them to show the rough proceedings they wrote before finalising the minutes. He (Sarda) asked to write ‘some of the members were against it’. I interfered and asked to write that I am opposing it. I am ready to face the consequences,” said Sharma, while speaking about the proceedings of the meeting.
“Reports say the decision was unanimous. It is completely false. We are totally against the decision to incorporate the members,” Sharma told ‘The Hitavada’ on Thursday.
When asked the reason for their opposition to the adoption of the members, Sharma said it is only because of the timing of presenting the list of members.
VHA elections are going to be held in November and, in all probability, the 51 members, most of whom are from Sadar, Chhaoni and New Colony, would support the Sadar-based group.
“The reason to oppose the adoption is that when the certified copy of the judgement was procured by (DS) Karunashankar in May 2015 why did he keep it under wraps till last Sunday. Suddenly they come up with the list of members and order. Why was it not put before the committee when he got the copy of the judgement 16 months back,” Sharma asked.
When asked whether he was not aware of the judgement despite being one of the intervenors along with Vinod Gawai, Sharma accused Karunashankar of misleading him.
During the proceedings of the case, Sharma and Karunashankar were in opposite groups.
“He (Karunashankar) cheated and misled me. At that time Karunashankar told me he had given ‘No Objection’ in this case. But he gave no objection to the application which was filed for the change in tenure of the executive body from one to four years,” said Sharma.
“I only want to know what were they doing with the judgement for 16 months. Why didn’t they take the executive committee in confidence. That’s why we opposed the adoption.”
Sharma said he will discuss the matter with all other members of his group and then take decision whether to move higher court or not.
“Definitely, I will talk with Gawai, Sidhra and other members and then would decide whether to file an application in higher court”.
The VHA treasurer dared that they would not allow the members to vote in the elections.
“We will not allow these 51 members to be part of the ensuing elections. We are going to oppose their participation,” he concluded.

VHA to incorporate 51 life members

Dy Charity Comm passes order on 11-year-old case

n By Paritosh Pramanik

IN A major boost to the ruling body of the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) ahead of November elections, the Deputy Charity Commissioner of Nagpur has ordered the association to incorporate 51 members as its life members (who were enrolled in 1989) and “allow them to attend all meetings and to vote in the meetings and elections.”

The ordered was passed on May 25, 2015 on the application filed by late Balraj Aher and GM Pillay.

The decision along with the order copy were submitted to VHA by former VHA incharge secretary, GM Pillay along with a letter to incorporate the members.

On Wednesday, the executive committee unanimously accepted the decision of the Deputy Charity Commissioner and decided to incorporate all the 51 members.

“How can I go against court’s order? I will have to abide by the order. We will incorporate all the said members as life members of the association,” VHA President Radheshyam Sarda told ‘The Hitavada.’ These ‘new; 51 votes will definitely help the Sadar-based Hockey Lovers Panel in the ensuing elections against Bhartia-Gawai led panel.

How the life members got back in VHA fold

On September 12, 1989, Joint Charity Commissioner Office, Nagpur had ordered GM Pillay to work as Incharge secretary of VHA after two change reports, one by the elected body and another by TN Sidhra (who had lost the secretary’s post in the elections), were filed with the competent authority.

The elected body then called an executive committee meeting on September 17, 1989 and it was decided to enroll 51 new life members.

Since then till 2004, VHA was run by late Balraj Aher as President and GM Pillay as its Incharge secretary. Then in 2004-05 Arun Kokane of Gondia Hockey Association brought an order from Joint Charity Commissioner to hold elections of the association and a fresh body was elected then (in 2005).

But the court’s order also stated that the list of voters which was used in 1987 will be used in 2005 polls.

After the new VHA body took charge, GM Pillay submitted a letter on September 3, 2005, stating that during his tenure (in 1989) 51 life members were enrolled and the same should be added to the list used during the 2005 polls. But several members opposed it and Aher and Pillay had no other option but to move court.

Pillay submitted all the relevant documents and copy of minutes of the executive meeting during which new members were enrolled, to the court.

After years of legal battle, the Deputy Charity Commissioner office passed the order on May 25, 2015 in Pillay’s favour and asked the association to incorporate all the 51 members.

The ‘new 51 members’

RC Nema, NM Dakaha, Tanvir Ahmed, BAR Naidu, Shoeb Parvez, Shankar Manchandioa, Raju Joseph, Apurva Sarkar, BR Naidu, RS Trivedi, SN Mishra, Surendra Mishra, KR Reddy, Suhail Arshad, Pradeep Nagarkar, Sunil Agrawal, Sanjay Pande, VB Datarkar, MA Waheed, Amresh Pramanik, Dilip Chougule, Dharamraj Kanojiya, Ashok Yadav, Satdev Mahadule, SR Tiwari, Prabhat Singh, Shailendra Jhazed, CS Iyer, Bernard Ekka, Gopal Thapa, MZ Beg, Altaf Ahmed, S Biswas, Rampal Thakur, Shyam Dubey, Imtiyaz Rizvi, Anil Daral, HB Kedar, Oswald Joseph, Madhu Salve, IC Sachdeva, Shyam Arora, Anjan Dey, VA Khan, MV Khan, A Salim, Mahendra Lakhanpar, Sushil Surve, Shaket Ali, PS Rajeshwar Rao, KT Bose.

--------------------

Shrigopal Soni to be VHA election officer 

FORMER Nag Vidarbha Chambers of Commerce (NVCC) president Shrigopal Soni has been appointed as the Election Officer of the Vidarbha Hockey Association polls.

The elections are likely to be held in the third week of November.

Soni’s named was suggested by VHA President Radheshyam Sarda during the executive body’s meeting on Wednesday. The choice was unanimous.

The association has decided to hold the election on November 23. The date will be now finalised by Election Officer Soni.

Split wide open in VHA? Pub on Oct 10, 2016

Hockey Lovers Panel and Hockey Promoters Panel likely to fight against each other in coming VHA elections

Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh says all is well in camp

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE alliance between Salim Baig’s ‘Sadar Panel’ (Hockey Lovers Panel) and TN Sidhra’s Hockey Promoters Panel, which was made to oust the Bhartia-Gawai body from Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), is unlikely to continue in the coming elections.
The formation of ‘Hockey Lovers and Promoters Panel’ was only a temporary arrangement between the two panels. The alliance had helped them sweep the VHA polls in November 2014. But differences between the ‘old rivals’ became visible within no time of assuming charge.
Things have come to a point that incumbent president Radheshyam Sarda has made up his mind to “not to be part of any panel or body” which has Sidhra, Shyam Sharma or any of his colleagues.
Fed up with the “bickering and non-cooperation” from Sidhra’s confidants, Sarda has decided to side with the Sadar Panel in the ensuing elections slated in mid November.
“They don’t want the game to grow. They only want to block smooth functioning. I am experiencing this since past two years. I never wanted to become president as I was aware of the working pattern of Sidhra when I was with VHA in 2004-05. But Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh insisted and I had to obey him,” Sarda told ‘The Hitavada’.
“In 2014, the first choice for president’s post was Suresh Sharma but he backed out and I was forced to fight for the post,” recalled Sarda.
However, there is still hope for the alliance to continue. Vice-President Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh, the man behind bringing the two factions close, stated that all was well in their camp.
Singh said all the three panel’s should come together and fight for one common cause — development of the game.
“I want all the three panels to come together this time. I would request all to keep aside their differences and egos for at least two more years and work together for the development of hockey in Vidarbha.
“I respect Vinod Gawai a lot. He and his body has worked really hard for the development of the game. If we all come together and work for hockey’s development then there will be nothing like that,” said Singh.
The former city mayor refused to buy stories that there are major differences in the present body.
“There is difference of opinion in the present body but that is only for the betterment of the game. Radheshyam Sarda and TN Sidhra both are good and have exceptional administrative qualities. Sidhra, whom I call Brigadier, is well versed with the game of hockey. He has thorough knowledge of the game. I would definitely want him in any of my panel,” Singh asserted.
“In last two years we have worked really hard. We started from scratch, had nothing in bank. We contributed from our own pockets. For nearly one year we didn’t get documents from the previous body. I had several rounds of talk with Gawai and BC Bhartia and had requested them to hand over the papers (receipt books and other financial documents). They (Gawai-Bhartia) claim that they have submitted each and every document but treasurer Shyam Sharma said he didn’t get any. I have no other option but to trust my treasurer,” Singh explained about his team’s journey till now.
However, there are contradictory voices among members. Several from Sadar Panel are dead against working with the Promoters Panel headed by Sidhra. They are not speaking openly but most of the members in the executive committee have shown their discontent.
The election dates are likely to be announced by Thursday. It would be interesting to see how Singh, ‘the Santa Claus’ of city, manages to regroup all by ‘gifting’ posts of their liking in the executive body.

Time to learn from the best in world: Akash

Akash Chikte of Yavatmal in Indian team 

for Asian Champions Trophy

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 8

EVERY sportsperson dreams of playing alongside his/her idol. They all want to become like the player they adore and worship in their learning days. Same was India goalkeeper Akash Chikte’s dream, to play alongside Indian custodian PR Sreejesh. Chikte, who hails from Lohara village in Yavatmal district, always idolised Sreejesh. He wanted to perform like Sreejesh, make breathtaking saves like the India captain does.

The son of a welding shop owner Anil and Baby, was over the moon when he found his name in the 18-member Indian hockey team’s list that will participate in the Asian Championship Trophy to be held at Kuantan in Malaysia from October 20. Chikte’s joy had no bounds as he would be sharing the room with his idol Olympian Sreejesh who has been named as the captain of the team by Hockey India.

“It’s unbelievable. I will be playing under Sreejesh, one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” said Chikte over phone from Bengaluru where he was attending the Indian team’s preparatory camp.

Though his chances of playing in any match are bleak as Sreejesh would be guarding the Indian citadel in almost all the encounters, Chikte said he would learn a lot from him. “Sree bhai would be playing most of the matches. But I will get an opportunity to learn a lot of new things from him as well as from others,” said Chikte, who had represented Vidarbha Hockey Association in 2008 Bhopal nationals. “He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and it would be the best opportunity to learn finer points from him,” he added.

Chikte was selected as the first choice goalkeeper for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament held in Ipoh in May earlier this year. The lanky goalkeeper did not disappoint as India won silver medal in that tournament. Had 18 members been allowed for Rio Olympics, Chikte would have been the automatic choice as the second goalkeeper.

But after his silver winning feat, Chikte was confident of securing a berth in Indian squad for Asian Champions Trophy. “I had performed well in Sultan Azlan Shah meet. I was confident of getting selected. I was also working hard during the training sessions,” he mentioned. Chikte pipped Indian Railways’ goalkeeper Abhinav Pandey to get into the team. “If I get a chance to play any match I assure you I wont’s disappoint,” he added.

“I would like to thank Manoj Bhore sir (Hockey Maharashtra secretary) and my BEG coach Sagar Thakur who helped from time to time,” he added.

The tournament will see India, Korea, Japan, China and hosts Malaysia challenge defending champions Pakistan.

Dig Deep, Strike Gold

Dig Deep, Strike Gold
By Paritosh Pramanik
11-9-2016
Two medals at Rio Olympics last month gave Indians much to cheer about. India was ‘saved by the girl child’ from the horror of returning empty handed as it finally managed to sneak into medals tally, thanks to the silver and bronze medals won by shuttler PV Sindhu and wrestler Sakshi Malik, respectively.
Rewards, in cash as well as in kind, were showered upon the two girls who won India accolades with their sheer grit and determination.
Everywhere, be it on news channels, in newspapers or on social media, Indians showered praises on Sakshi and Sindhu.
As the country was celebrating, another news flashed in newspapers a couple of days later.
A report by New World Wealth ranked India 7th among top 10 wealthiest countries in the world with a total individual wealth of USD 5,600 billion. The United States topped the chart. India, one of the fastest growing nations in the world, has pushed behind countries like Canada, Australia and Italy who were placed 8th, 9th and 10th in the list.
It gives a sense of pride when our nation gets acclaimed, be it on the sports field or in general.
But, at the same time, it forces one to ponder upon as to why our sportspersons continuously fail at the big stages like Olympics and World Championships despite figuring among the wealthy nations.
India manages to win a bagful of medals at Continental Championships or at the Commonwealth Games, where other countries’ participation is limited.
However, when it comes to Olympics, the biggest sporting extravaganza, the country with a population of over 130 crore, falls flat. The medal count drops down to a single digit.
India is among the top ten richest countries in the world but not even in the top 50 in sporting excellence as it finished as low as at 67th spot at Rio.
Every four years, immediately after Olympics, post mortem on India’s debacle is done by one and all. Every single Indian tries to proclaim himself/herself as the best preacher or policy maker. Everybody declares that government should change policy, give training to players abroad, provide best infrastructure, et al.
And the ministry, too, forms a committee or two ‘to look’ into the matter.
This year, too, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed a Task Force to search the reasons behind such a pathetic show from the Indian contingent and prepare a roadmap for future.
For ages, sportspersons, coaches and authorities are talking about grooming at the grassroot level.
But till date, hardly anything concrete has been done in this regard. The Sports Ministry is definitely providing best infrastructure but to a ‘developed’ player and not at the grass root level.
The point is why not provide the best facilities to the players at the nascent stage?
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports conducts school, college, district, division and state-level tournaments religiously. But has anybody seen the quality of those tournaments at the district level or the field on which these tournaments take place?
Events are conducted in a hurry. A football match between two schools lasts for hardly 50 minutes. And if it is a one-sided one, then it finishes as per referee’s discretion.
It is very easy to participate in debates and preach from the cosy air-conditioned rooms but it takes a whale of effort to perform the actual task.
The point is when one talks about promoting sports at grassroot level then it should actually be promoted at that level. Why not provide the best facilities at school and taluka levels itself? Like superpower the United States provide to its bidding sportspersons.
There are over 1000 tennis courts in the United States which are open for the youngest of kids or budding players who wish to learn the tricks of trade. 
They get the feel of the court right from the beginning. 
That’s the reason why US has proudly produced champions like Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Arthur Ashe, Rod Laver, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras to name a few.
In The Netherlands, a much smaller country than India, there are over 500 astro turfs for field hockey. In India, they can be counted on fingers.
Speaking about hockey at grassroots in India, the budding players learn their dribbling skills on mud or ‘chat’ field. In most of the states, the local and school-level tournaments are played either on ‘chat ground’ or on grass turf. Whereas in Holland or Germany, kids are ‘thrown’ on astro turfs from the day they start learning how to hold a hockey stick.
These basic facilities have to be made available to the kids when they start playing the game.
Same approach has to be applied in other sports too.
Why not make it mandatory for every school in the country to have tennis courts, astro turfs, synthetic tracks, swimming pools. Not only in metros but at taluka level, too, from where India gets most of the medal winners.
Provide the best infrastructures to kids at taluka level, in every district and the result will be seen in next 10 years.
If India wants Olympic medal winners for 2024 Olympics they have to be groomed at the right earnest.
Look at China, that won 70 medals including 26 gold at Rio.
In China, a child is ‘adopted’ by the sports bodies or families introduce their wards to sports as early as four years of age. Then only they manage to produce a champion at the tender age of 15 years. At Rio, fifteen-year-old Chinese Ren Qian won the 10-metre platform gold medal in swimming becoming the youngest champion from that country.
A champion is not made in a fortnight. It takes years and years of hard work to carve out a medal winner.
India is participating in Olympics since 1928 and China started its sojourn four years later (1932). They did not participate in the Games from 1956 to 1980 but returned at the 1984 Los Angeles Games with a bang winning a total of 32 medals out of which 15 were gold medals. Since then, its success graph has only soared at every Games. 
Since 1992 Barcelona Olympics their medals tally never came below 50 medals.
In comparison to that, India’s medals can be counted on fingers. Their best was at 2012 London where it bagged six medals (three silver and three bronze. Yogeshwar Dutt’s bronze was upgraded to silver recently).
Those six medals prompted the so-called pundits of the game to predict that India would win atleast 8-9 medals at Rio. But their predications went horribly wrong as the athletes were buried under the heavy pressure of expectations.
Shockingly, India returned with just two medals.
Not that the shooters, and other athletes performed badly. 
There were some very close defeats. Shooters Jitu Rai and Abhinav Bindra missed the target by whisker while gymnast Dipa Karmakar filled the countrymen heart with pride before being pipped by eventual gold medal winner from US Simone Biles. Tennis players Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, too, were on the cusp of winning a third spot but missed it narrowly.
But overall, the expectation from a contingent of 118 athletes, was only to win medals in single digit which they still failed to achieve.
In India’s comparison, Thailand had 56 athletes at Rio and six returned with medals. A really good show, it could be said. They participated in less number of sports and concentrated on them rather than marking their attendance in as many as they can.
India, too, can ponder upon on concentrating on few sports and develop players in those games.
Badminton, tennis, wrestling, archery, shooting, hockey have won medals for India in pervious games.
Why not concentrate on these sports from the grassroot level for next 10-15 years.
Pullela Gopichand worked for over a decade in his academy to give India two medal winners.
Government can also think on ‘privatising’ these few sports by handing them totally to private firms. Olympic Gold Quest, JSW and a few others are already pouring in money to prepare champions. And the results are there for everybody to see.
Such firms should be handed a few sports and the results would definitely see an upward journey in 2024 Games.