Monday, July 30, 2018

SENsational Lakshya



By Paritosh Pramanik

The spark of his brilliance ignited in May earlier this year at the New Zealand Open and Thomas Cup. World renowned and multiple time champion China’s Lin Dan was stunned in the first game by this teenager from India. Though the senior Chinese pro went on to win the match, Lakshya Sen, the lanky Indian shuttler made several heads turn with his stunning performance. He dared to dream. He aimed for the Everest. He was determined and was dedicated but fell short on experience.
“It was a dream come true to play Lin Dan but those two matches was a learning experience. I understood where I lacked and what I need to do,” Lakshya told PTI recently.
Last week, Lakshya did what no other Indian shuttler managed to do in near history. After more than half a century, 53 years to be precise, Lakshya shot down the Asian Junior Championship gold to mark his arrival.
Though this was not his first major title, winning gold at Asian Junior Championship was never heard before by any Indian in last 50 years. It was way back in 1965 when late Gautam Thakkar became the first Indian shuttler to win the Asian Junior gold.
Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu clinched the yellow metal in 2012 after finishing third in an earlier edition. Sameer Verma had won a silver and bronze in 2011 and 2012 and the pair of Pranav Chopra and Prajakta Sawant claimed a bronze in 2009.
But Lakshya rose above all.
The 16-year-old Uttarakhand lad became only the third Indian to be crowned Asian Junior Champion after he ousted top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 21-19, 21-18 in the finals in Jakarta.
The victory is more sweeter because Lakshya was playing with a shin split injury. Despite that, he went on to beat all odds and pain to win the title.
Badminton is in blood of Lakshya, the younger of two siblings. His elder brother Chirag, too, is an Indian badminton player. Born and brought up in a family of badminton players and coaches, Lakshya was bound to become a great shuttler.
Born in Almora district of Uttarakhand, Lakshya was introduced to badminton by his grandfather, Chandra Lal Sen. Chandra, who was a national-level badminton player, achieved the name of ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ in his native Almora where he used to train shuttlers. From Chandra Sen, DK Sen, father of Lakshya, inherited the nuances of the game and went on to become a renowned badminton coach at SAI Almora. And from him his two sons — Chirag and Lakshya — are taking the baton forward.
Lakshya’s journey with the shuttle sport started way back in 2010.
A bunch of young talented shuttlers was on a Bengaluru trip for a national ranking tournament in 2010 which also included a 10-year-old Lakshya along with brother Chirag.
During that tournament Chirag impressed Vimal Kumar, chief coach at Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA). Kumar decided to train Chirag at the PPBA. Looking at his elder brother getting admission at PPBA, Lakshya, too, persisted to be admitted to the same academy. Going by his age at that time (10 years old), his father was reluctant to send his younger son to the academy. But Lakshya was adamant and forced his father to change his mind.
Lakshya was left under the tutelage of his elder brother and Vimal Kumar. Chirag performed the role of a parent and never left Lakshya alone, till date. Lakshya dedicated himself fully to the shuttle sport and never gave a miss to training. His training regimen would start from 5 in the morning and continue for almost four to five hours. 
In 2011, Olympic Gold Quest and PPBA had sent 10-year-old Lakshya to Singapore for a junior event. There he defeated the same Indonesian opponent whom he ousted in the semi-finals of the Asia Junior Championship last Saturday.
In 2014, Lakshya won another tittle in Wimbledon Under-19 championship. The same year, he added another trophy to his cupboard in Swiss Open junior crown.
Lakshya kept on working hard on his skills and in 2016 won the Junior Asian Championship bronze medal.
Even as other renowned shuttlers like Saina Nehwal, Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth kept India’s flag flying high, Lakshya kept improving his performance at junior level. In 2017 his perseverance paid off when Lakshya was ranked World Junior Number 1.
As years passed, Lakshya’s movements on court became more crisper and faster. Despite being a teenager he started playing senior tournaments. In 2017, Lakshya went on to finish runners-up in the senior nationals. In the same tournament he stunned the tournament’s top seed HS Prannoy.
With Junior Asian Championship, Lakshya is making a smooth transition. He now wants to play in the senior circuit and test his mettle. His way ahead is mighty difficult but Lakshya has set his sights on the senior circuit. He has started playing big leagues and is competing in International Series and Challenger events.
This is the time when his academy PPBA, needs to guide the youngster. They should restrict Lakshya to Grand Prix circuit for now. It should be a gradual and slow transition.
But Lakshya has planned his future meticulously. He is not directly targeting the 2020 Olympics gold. He first wants to get into world’s top 50 in men’s singles in next couple of years. He wants to play not more than two or three tournaments in a row and on that basis gauge his performance. He now wants to play more senior tournaments which, he thinks, would help him in getting better for the bigger battles ahead.
Though Lakshya has won Asian title and wants to compete in senior circle, he has one drawback which he has to arrest at the earliest. His weak physique needs to be developed. He need to build on strength and stamina which is required at the senior level.
The Junior Asian Championship was a long tournament for Lakshya who participated in both, team and individual events. He even had to tweak his training as he had suffered a shin splint.
“I will have to discuss with my coach and see what would be my training sessions. But I know I have to work on my overall physique, need to improve my strength to do well in the senior circuit,” Lakshya had told to PTI after his title triumph.
“He (Lakshya) has started hitting hard but his muscles are still very weak. So he needs to do a lot of strengthening workouts to improve his physique because he is skillful. His shot making and other things are good but to do well against a senior player, he needs to work on his strength,” his coach Vimal Kumar said PTI in an interview.
Vimal had a word of caution for Lakshya. “At 16-17, you should be able beat top players and run the senior players close. He is doing that, so it is a good sign. But he has not been able to play too many tournaments. So he has to be careful. We can’t push him that hard in training because he is still growing,” Kumar told PTI.
All said and done, Lakshya has done what no other Indian shuttler could do in 50 years and it is time for him to celebrate this ‘little success’ and start for more tough battles lying ahead in World Junior Championship and Youth Olympics scheduled in October and November.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Cup of Joy




By Paritosh Pramanik

HEY ran haywire, jumped in air, soaked in the rain and slid on the green water logged lawns of Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. Last Sunday witnessed history rewritten as France, for the second time, claimed the FIFA World Cup. The 18-carat gold trophy, weighing just over 6 kgs and 36.8 cms in height went to France since 1998 when they hosted the global event.
The entire world witnessed how France, with outside chance and without being bookmakers’ favourites, thrashed a resolute Croatia 4-2 under the milky lights at Luzhniki Stadium. A legion of world leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron, Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic witnessed France’s demolition act.
The month-long sporting extravaganza produced surprising, shocking and enthralling results and provided a fitting end to the tournament. France created their own space. They were treated as a novice when the tournament started on June 14 with very less chance of reaching the last 16 itself.
However, as the mighty teams tumbled one after other, France kept on making gradual and calculated moves to the top only to wipe out the sore memories of Euro 2016 where they were stunned by Portugal in front of their own supporters in Paris.
It was redemption time for France coach Didier Deschamps who was criticised then for his style of functioning.
The 1998 World Cup winning captain proved his critics wrong. He presented his country with another trophy, this time as a coach. The double title put him alongside greats like Brazilian Mario Zagallo and German Franz Beckenbauer to win World Cup as captain and as coach.
The French Government rightly rewarded the entire team with Legion of Honour for their stupendous performance. Deschamps, who had already received the reward at the hands of the then president Jacques Chirac, will now be promoted from Legion Knight to a higher grade such as officer.

 SHOCKERS AND SURPRISES

The 32-team tournament produced some big shockers, which jolted the world. It also had some surprises with fringe teams stunning big guns on their way to the next round.
The biggest shock of the tournament was defending champions Germany being knocked out in the first round.
Never in the recent history were the reigning champions booted from the preliminary rounds. The 2014 champions performed below par to their abilities, which coach Joachim Leow, failed to arrest in time as they suffered the worst choke since 1930s.
Germany were clueless, far from their self. Their defence, which was one of the best four years ago, was breached repeatedly. Their sojourn started with a stunning 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico. They managed to scrape past Sweden but it was over when Asian giants South Korea blanked them 2-0 to see them off in the first round.
Another Asian team, Japan made a giant stride as they sneaked into last 16 beating Colombia, sharing points with Senegal and losing to Poland.
If Germany were knocked out in first round, giants like Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and Spain bit the dust in the round of 16 making the tournament one of the most open in recent times. Stars failed on the biggest stage once again. Argentinean Lionel Messi, Brazilian Neymar Jr, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Uruguayan Luis Suarez all fell in causing a big dent to their world famous stature.
Messi’s Argentina tried hard to stay in contention but they were shown the exit door by France in a seven-goal thriller. Kylian Mbappe’s double strike in the second half was all to see Messi probably end his Argentina career without the silverware. Ronaldo, despite scoring one of the best goals of the tournament in the first round from the set-piece, was unable to weave his magical web. He failed to save his side as they were edged out by Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani’s twin strikes on either side of the half.
Spain, the 2010 champions, too exited without making much of an impact. They created a sort of record of playing with maximum passes, the art which helped them win the title eight years back. But that was not enough for a team boasted with the talented players like Diego Costa, David Silva, Isco to name a few. A fighting Russia held their nerves to beat them on penalties.
Russia put up one of the best shows at home. They were the lowest ranked team in the tournament (70th) but played like a top 15 side. They qualified for the round of 16 with their powerful show from Pool A finishing second.
They became giant-slayer by ousting Spain to book quarter-final date with Croatia.
The hosts were on song until they went out of steam in the shoot-out. Croatia held their nerves to beat them 4-3 and move into the last four. Luka Modric was the star performer for the Croatians this World Cup. The player proved that it does not require big names to take a team to the final. He was the lynchpin of his side journey to the final.

 COMING HOME? NOT YET

England, the 1966 champions entered the tournament without any chance. Pundits, in England and around the world, did not give them an iota of chance to move past the first round.
However, Gareth Southgate’s team forced critics eat the crow. With minimal pressure from the die-hard football fans back home, England, led by Harry Kane, played freely. They showed their skills and moved ahead without being noticed. It was only after their entry into the knock-outs that heads started turning.
With a relatively easy group, they recorded convincing wins over Panama and Tunisia and fielded a second string team against table toppers Belgium only to lose the match and finish second. This was probably done to avoid Brazil in knock-outs and have easy passage towards final.
However, it was not that easy for Kane’s side as they would have expected in the knock-outs. Colombia almost pulled out a siege with an injury time leveler. However, England hung by the thread as they pipped them on penalties.
England’s performance improved as they moved into the quarters. The England of yore was back with a clinical 2-0 win over Sweden which made their way into semi-finals, the first in 20 years.
The roar of ‘It’s Coming Home’ grew louder as England booked last four spot. The British Colonies started singing hosannas of their men as they started believing in them, albeit a bit late. Kieran Trippier bulged the net in the 5th minute against Croatia to send England in frenzy. They managed to hold that slender lead in the first 45 minutes. Everything was going according to script until the 68 minute.
Croatian Ivan Perisic ignited hope for his side with a 68th minute leveler. That goal took the match into extra time, once again for Croatia. And when it looked another penalty corner was in store, Mario Mandzukic came from nowhere to bury British hopes with his stunning goal. England returned home, once again without trophy, extending their title drought to 52 years, over half a century!
However, England’s performance back home was lauded. Southgate’s performance from the sidelines was hailed and he was duly rewarded with a Metro Station named after him.

 BELGIUM, STORY OF THE 
 WORLD CUP

If any team entertained and made several thousands of fans this World Cup, it was Belgium.
With a consistent performance throughout the month-long tournament Belgium showed their improving credential with each passing year.
Being 11th at the inaugural Football World Cup in 1930 and finishing fourth at 1966, the third place finish for this side proves their fast northward journey.
The Golden Generation of Belgium almost produced a heist. They finished as the topper from Pool G ahead of England with an all-win record. They also scored highest number of goals in the league round (9) and subsequently in the entire tournament.
It was the flair and flamboyance with which they earned so many admirers. With the world acclaimed players like Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier and the ever dependable Thibaut Courtois at goal, Belgium looked to go till the last post. They were galloping in their strides with some crushing performance against Tunisia, Panama and England in the league round. With a blank sheet, Belgium entered the knock-outs with loads of confidence.
The secret was they played as a cohesive unit. They were united on and off the field. Such was their confidence that they did not panic despite being two-goal down against Japan. That pressure situation only brought the best out of Roberto Martinez managed side. The likes of Lukaku, Hazard, and De Bruyne took back seat, for a while as Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli scored in an exhilarating 35 minutes of classical second half football. Belgium were in quarters with mighty Brazil lurking.
Playing Brazil, the five times World Champions, would always be a pressure game. Opponents would feel more burden of expectation than Brazil themselves.
But, this Belgium side had just passed the furnace with a come from behind 3-2 win over Japan and were oozing with confidence. Their chances grew in the 13th minute when Brazil scored an own goal in first quarter of the half. Another goal just over the half hour mark marked their confirmation into semis and Brazil’s departure from the tournament. A late goal from Brazilian Renato Augusto, too, could not stop Belgium from making the last four.
They lost the semi-final to eventual champions France but left an indelible mark on the tournament with their determined performance, which will be remembered for years to come.

 RISING STARS

This World Cup definitely gave birth to a few rising stars as it also saw shining lights fade into oblivion.
If Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Suarez failed to make much of an impact with their performance bowing out quickly from the scene, players like Romelu Lukaku, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann shone brighter in Russia.
It is time Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar pass the baton to these rising stars. 
Mbappe, the best player of French League 1 showed what he is capable of. He matched legendary Pele by becoming only the second player in history to score in final as a teenager. His feat was also applauded by the Brazilian legend himself.
Mbappe scored in crucial time. More than that he had the ability to burst ahead with a Bolt-like speed, which opposition defenders failed to tackle. His dash against Argentina and winning a penalty with his scorching speed forced all to take notice.
Lukaku mesmerised all with the deft skills and control with the ball. His knack to deliver ball and anticipation helped Belgium win several battles. He was lurking in the French defence all the time during their semis battle. It is a pity his Belgium side missed on winning the World Cup this time. Similarly, Eden Hazard led Belgium very effectively. He was dangerous upfront and in the midfield.
Antoine Griezmann is another talismanic footballer who would mark his own space in football world in days to come. 
He scored from the spot in France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia and was also an important cog in his side’s march to the final.
The Atletico Madrid forward made stunning forays upfront and was instrumental during the set-piece. His assists in the final were very crucial in France’s title victory.
The stars have arrived at Russia and with age on their side, they will rise above the expectation in Qatar in four years.

 THE BEST WORLD CUP EVER

There was a lot of apprehension to the build up of the World Cup. But Russian government proved all doubters wrong. They opened their arms to welcome the world community to their country. The conservative nation, tweaked their own rules only to give international fans a chance to change their perception for Russia.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino did not waste any time in praising the organisation and terming the World Cup as the best ever. This he did on several occasions as the curtains came down on World Cup on July 15.
Russian President Vladimir Putin changed Visa rules for the soccer fans visiting the 11 cities. In a first, a Fan ID was issued to all those having valid match tickets which helped spectators move freely in entire Russia.
The Russian police, who are known to be one of the most strict and robust, were asked to be mild until very severe offence by the people. There was hardly any commotion during the entire 30 days of the World Cup. Russia showed the world that they can survive despite sanctions.
All in all this World Cup brought the other side of Russia. 
As the baton passed to Qatar for 2022 World Cup, football lovers hope that same cordial and easy passage would take place in the Arab nation.  
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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Dipa Karmakar, The Comeback Queen



By Paritosh Pramanik

Her’s is a story of fortitude. A story of how to return to glory after being down in dumps. A story of taking challenges with chin up and thrashing away all the obstacles to reach the ‘Everest’. She had fallen from the top only to rise much above the expectations of the country. Gymnast Dipa Karmakar etched her name in history books when she clinched the first ever gold medal for India at a global event at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Mersin, Turkey, last Sunday. The 24-year-old from Tirpura, who had finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, emerged triumphant in the vault event with 14.150 to bag the yellow metal.
Dipa’s journey since she was a six-year-old kid is splattered with difficulties. But the courageous and strong girl came out victors every time she had to climb the mountain of expectations from her coaches and admirers.
The flat-footed girl from Agartala put India on the world gymnastic map with her stellar performance in the Rio Olympics where she missed the bronze medal by a whisker.
Gymnastics was an unfamiliar sport for India until Dipa showed her prowess in the dangerous Produnova style—the Vault of Death at Olympics. The Indian girl mastered the art in the life-threatening style of gymnastics to force every Indian turn their eyes in awe during the Rio Games. Her achievement, despite out of the medal bracket, forced government to introduce a postal stamp in her name.
From being flat-footed gymnast to being number one in the country, Dipa has proved her doubters wrong on numerous occasions. The recent gold medal is more creditable as Dipa was returning from a career-threatening injury lay-off. 
When all was going well for the Agartala girl after her Rio heroics, destiny made a cruel turn. Dipa suffered an Anetrior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury after Rio and had to undergo a surgery last April. That followed lengthy rehabilitation routine which kept her out of the sport nearly for a year. But she did not lose hope, despite being physically and mentally drained out.
People started talking about her decline. Some even said it’s the end of her career. But Dipa fought all odds. During those painful days, she had to fight twin battles, one from within and another with her doubters who were hell-bent to cut short her career with thoughts of negativity.
In a recent interview with PTI, Dipa recalled how nervous she got when she was undergoing rehabilitation.
“I was nervous because a lot happened in two years. Body changed. Difficulty levels also changed. It took a lot of mental and physical strength but I had no doubt about my comeback. A lot of people said it is extremely difficult for gymnasts to come back after surgery, some were saying I am finished since it was two years after Olympics. But I was ready to go through the surgery after I knew I had an ACL,” Dipa said after her gold winning performance.
For Dipa to make a comeback, she needed a strong willpower and support from her coaches. She kept motivating herself by reminding self of several successful comebacks by other sportspersons. She kept herself positive and never let pessimism creep in.
“There are other sportspersons who made successful comebacks. I tried to take it positively and due to the support of my coach, family, physio, SAI, Sports Ministry, GoSports I could make a comeback. I feel blessed that all celebrities supported me. They congratulated me. The last two years, I faced a lot of criticism with people saying I should give up and sit at home, and I am finished. So I am glad that I was not forgotten,” she was quoted as saying by the national news agency.
After spending more than a year in wilderness, Dipa worked hard to be fit for the April Gold Coast Commonwealth Games but she lacked fitness. The pain still persisted in her knees and she had to wait a little longer. That extended ‘break’ worked in Dipa’s favour when she took part in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Mersin, Turkey.
Participating in the Handspring 360 and Tsukuhara 720 with a difficulty level of 5.4 and 5.6, the former student of Abhoynagar Nazrul Smriti Vidyalaya, Agartala, Dipa accumulated a result of 14.100 and 14.150 respectively to 
win gold.
Rifda Irfanaluthfi of Indonesia was a distant second with 13.400 points while Turkey’s Goksu Uctas took bronze with a score of 13.200.
The gold medal winning feat displays Dipa’s will to return to where she belong. She proved that willpower and desire to achieve goal can take one to the top.
Dipa, who is being coached by Soma Nandi and Bisweshwar Nandi since she was six, had finished fourth at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. A lot of water has passed under the bridge in last four years and Dipa has seen the highs of Olympics and lows of injury.
Dipa is back with a bang and she will be training her sight on the gold medal in Produnova, albeit not at the Jakarta Asian Games to be held next month.
It needs a lot of strength and training to perform Produnova for which Dipa still seems to be a bit short of fitness. She still feels pain in her knees while doing that in practice. But she has not lost hope of returning to performing her pet event.
With Asian Games round the corner and a tough competition expected from China, Japan and Korea, it was a wise decision by Dipa not to participate in Produnova event. However, she would see where she stands against the Asians giants in the upcoming Asian Games then prepare herself for future.
“Asian Games is very tough. China, Japan, Korea will pose a big challenge. I can’t guarantee a medal. But I will give my best. I realised where I lacked during the World Cup. I will work on those areas. In Asian Games I will have to score more, may be 14.2 or 14.3 will give me a chance to win a medal,” she told PTI.
Dipa has fought her way back with sheer grit. She overcame all hurdles which came her way in her short career. She is a fighter to the core. The flat-footed girl from Tripura has now scripted one of the most-talked comeback stories in the country. She will now be spearheading the artistic gymnastic Indian team at Jakarta Asian Games.
With strong mind and flexible body, Dipa is all set to tumble several more records.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

The Wall Stands Tall


Paritosh Pramanik

“If you don’t fight for what you want .... Don’t cry for what you lost. It comes to an end to champions trophy...and silver was not the colour we deserved..”, Indian hockey goalkeeper Paratu Ravindran Sreejesh tweeted along with team’s photograph with silver medal dangling around their necks.
The entire Indian team was basking in glory after their silver winning performance in Champions Trophy at Breda, The Netherlands. But Sreejesh, though satisfied, was not happy. The ever smiling custodian looked a bit disappointed. He did not play to end as second best. He craved to win the elusive gold, which the Indian team is still unable to clinch.
Agony, pain, sadness was written large on Sreejesh’s face. India had lost once again to Australia, the same opponent whom they lost in the last edition. But India’s performance was several notches over what it used to be a couple of years ago. Or rather several months ago after that lacklustre performance at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where they finished out of the medal bracket (fourth place finish).
“I always wanted our team to win the gold. As we all know this was the last Champions Trophy and we have never won it. So I wanted to win it badly. But we could not.
“As a team we definitely performed better. Reaching finals on two successive occasions is a great achievement I think,” says Sreejesh.
The second place finish performance might be and should be attributed to the team work but most of the success has to be given to ‘The Wall’ of Indian hockey—Sreejesh.
Not for nothing this lanky Indian captain is called by that name—The Wall. On ‘n’ number of occasions, the Kerala born custodian has bailed out India from jaws of defeats. He jumps in air, drags himself, throws himself in front of those rasping drag flicks pushed at a speed of around 200kmph, he writhes in pain, falls on the field only to get up strongly. And at the end of those grueling 60 minutes, he smiles, forgetting all the pain as he walks back to the dug-out with his mates.
There are some wonderful pairs in the world — Heart and Beats, Night and Moon, Flowers and Colours, Fish and Water and... Sreejesh and Hockey.
Sreejesh has carved a niche for himself since he was spotted at the age of 14 by the present coach Harendra Singh. The best goalkeeper award at the just concluded Champions Trophy is a testimony of Sreejesh’s acclaimed stature in world of hockey. He is rated among the best goalkeepers in the world.
It is heartening to see Sreejesh back where he belonged — the hockey field — after a sabbatical of several months.
For Sreejesh, hockey is his life. He was away from his first love, after a surgery on his knee, for a couple of months. And as per his own admission, those were the most awful months.
He never missed a training before that injury occurred during the Sultan Azlan Shah meet in 2017. The injury brought him the other side of hockey. No hockey stick, no goalkeeping pads, no helmet...only exercise and muscle building. He fell, he cried, but never lost hope. There were times when thoughts of not returning to the field crossed Sreejesh’s mind. But the fighter he is, he never lost hope.
Those rehabilitation months were very painful but Sreejesh performed them to perfection and returned with his trademark broad smile. Once, he even posted a photograph on his twitter handle while performing one of the exercises which stated: Rehab ...... wow please don’t go with my smile ,,,, something hiding behind that.”
What was hiding behind that smile was utter pain and agony which Sreejesh suffered daily.
But he fought those painful days. He defeated pain, sorrow and reminded himself that he was getting stronger after each and every session.
In another post while doing shoulder exercise in gym along with Rupinderpal he wrote: Each session gives us a reason to smile ...... yeah we are getting stronger.”
Another post read: To climb higher ..... you need to raise your bar higher ...#weekendGoal #rehab #getting stronger @rupinderbob3”
For over three months, Sreejesh kept himself motivating, one of the most difficult tasks to do when you are down. He was dying to wear that chest guard which remained close to his heart, his helmet with which he used to talk and share his brain, his pads with which he used to fire orders while defending powerful shots and his hockey stick, his ‘soulmate’ on the field.
“Those were very difficult days. Being away from hockey. But at the same time, I had Birendra Lakra and Rupinderpal Singh with me, both of whom also went under knife and were rehabilitating. We three motivated each other,” recalls Sreejesh.
“I did not want to rush things. Firstly, I wanted to be back on my feet, then jog, bend, run....I wanted to walk free. I took it very calmly,” recalls Sreejesh.
Happiness had no bounds when, finally, Sreejesh came back to the field after the surgery and rehab.
“Back into my soul ...its been 90days I’m away from my second skin.. #goalkeeper,” he wrote as he clawed his way back to join his Indian mates in conditioning camp.
But Sreejesh knew that it won’t be easy to win back his spot as the first choice goalkeeper, leave aside leading the Indian team. His absence gave Hockey India a chance to test bench strength. Goalkeepers like Vijay Dahiya, Akash Chikte and Suraj Kerkara, to name a few, had grabbed the little opportunity they got in Sreejesh’s absence.
However, Sreejesh was injected to train the young goalkeepers.
His mantra was clear. “To train keeper means to learn something everytime from them.”
His training schedule was his own learning session. “What I am teaching them is what I will have to perform,” he had said.
Slowly and steadily Sreejesh got his rhythm back.
Back in his den — the Goalpost — Sreejesh was full of energy. He had got his skin back, his kit and his soul.
A couple of tournaments were needed to gain confidence and Sreejesh was included in Indian team for Europe tour. India performed well but above all Sreejesh fared better.
But a change of guard in coaching department saw Indian team faltering badly in Commonwealth Games. The players were confused with the ways of the then coach Sjoerd Marijne. The result was disappointing and Marijne was shown the door.
“I was very disappointed with the CWG result. The players had shown tremendous faith in me. But I failed to pay them back. I wanted to repay them and regain my place. The next three months for me was training and only training. I toiled hard only to fulfil the dreams of my team-mates. They all had been with me in my hard times and I wanted them to keep believing in me,” says the father of two.
Marijne’s sacking opened the way for Harendra Singh, the man who helped India win Junior World Cup in 2016.
That was the best thing to happen to India hockey in the year which has important tournaments like Asian Games and Men’s World Cup lined up in coming months.
Harendra and Sreejesh jelled well. And why not. It was Harendra who had spotted talent in Sreejesh when the goalkeeper was just 14 years old.
The two led Indian team to the podium in Breda where Sreejesh was exceptional.
A goalkeeper always cherishes to be tested in difficult situations. Sreejesh, too, loves pressure situation. He always likes to be tested under the bar. Same thing happened in Breda. ‘The Wall’ stood tall against Pakistan, Argentina, Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands.
Out of the 33 penalty corners India conceded, only three were converted. That’s what Sreejesh did. Take all the painful hits on his body and bail out India.
Coach Harendra Singh believes it’s the teamwork that helps Sreejesh carry out those saves.
“It’s the team work. No doubt Sreejesh is the best. But it’s the co-ordination between the rushers, and defenders during short corners, which helped Sreejesh make those saves,” Harendra says.
“The best thing about Sreejesh is that he is best in anticipating any shot. He happens to be at the right place at the right time. A keeper would make a spectacular save when he is out of position and jumps to clear the ball. But Sreejesh makes it look so easy because he anticipates well.
“He keeps on talking with himself, he motivates himself and also talks a lot with his players. That quality makes him special,” Harendra adds.
Harendra was also happy to see Sreejesh back to his best. “There were apprehensions whether Sreejesh would regain his best form or not. But he proved all the doubters wrong. The Wall is back with same agility and power,” Harendra proudly says.
Harendra feels that Sreejesh has matured like an old wine.
“A goalkeeper matures in his 30s. Same is with Sreejesh. He is 30 years old and is maturing at the right time.”
With Seeejesh in best form India are ready for the Asian Games to be held in Jakarta from August 18.
A gold winning performance will see India qualify for Tokyo Olympics.
Harendra is confident that the team under Sreejesh is capable of winning the gold medal.
“The team is ready for Asian Games and we will be back with the gold,” avers Harendra.
“We are playing aggressive and attacking hockey. This silver winning performance has given us a lot of positives. We are playing total hockey and the players are believing in themselves. We are a changed group and with the way Sreejesh is leading the side with his solid performance nobody can stop us from winning the gold,” concludes Harendra.
That said and done, Indian hockey has definitely moved forward and that too in right direction, thanks to stupendous performance from comeback man Sreejesh and the support staff headed by chief coach Harendra Singh.
“We are moving in the right direction. The Asian Games will be a different ball game as teams like Korea, Japan, China and Pakistan would play with different strategy. But I am sure we will win gold and qualify for the Olympics,” a confident Sreejesh concludes.
With each passing day, Sreejesh will continue to mature more which will only help Indians match the Europeans.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Astro turf proposal file at Mankapur gathering dust since one year


By Paritosh Pramanik

IT HAS been almost a year since the proposal of an astro turf at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur got green signal. It was believed that like synthetic track, which was constructed in record time, hockey astro turf would also see the light of the day within a year and players of the region would get an opportunity to learn tricks of trade on the turf.
The synthetic track and related infrastructure came up with a rapid pace (though it will be relaid again) once the Devendra Fadnavis Government gave nod for development of sports infrastructure in the city. But due to the proverbial red-tape and poor communication in government departments, hardly anything has moved as far as construction of astro turf is concerned since last one year.
Last July, a ray of hope ignited when Divisional Commissioner Anup Kumar okayed the proposal of hockey astro turf at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur. During a meeting with top officials, it was decided to construct a hockey stadium under the Krida Suvidha Nidhi (Sports facilities fund).
“We have okayed the proposal of hockey astro turf at Divisional Sports Complex. A detailed proposal will be forwarded to the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Pune,” Anup Kumar had informed ‘The Hitavada.’
For the construction of astro turf, Rs 9 crore was to be sanctioned to Divisional Sports Complex under the Krida Suvidha Nidhi.
According to the blue print, hockey stadium with astro turf is supposed to come up besides synthetic athletics track on two acres of land. However, not a single file has moved since then.
It is a pity that in entire Vidarbha there is not a single astro turf. Compared to this, places like Seoni in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh, which are far smaller than Nagpur have their own turfs.
The governments in these States have shown tremendous interest in promoting sports and providing best facilities to its sportspersons. But the story is entirely different in Maharashtra and specially in Vidarbha.
When contacted Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Subhash Rewatkar said a meeting was held last month with Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule regarding astro turf.
“We had a meeting with the Guardian Minister regarding astro turf. It has been decided that the proposal will be discussed with Education and Sports Minister Vinod Tawde during the Monsoon Session,” Rewatkar informed ‘The Hitavada’.
The Monsoon Session of Maharashtra State Assembly commences Monday.

BOX
Synthetic track to be relaid

THE first ever Synthetic Athletics Track at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur, which was laid just a year ago, will be relaid.
The decision was taken last month during a meeting with officials of Youth Affairs of Sports, Government of Maharashtra and Divisional Sports Complex committee.
Sunil Kendrekar, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra had shown his displeasure on the work of the synthetic track. According to reports, he was furious with the work done on the synthetic track as the rubber turf has started coming out.
“A decision to relay the entire synthetic has been taken during meeting. We have asked the concerned company to start the work at the earliest,” said Subhash Rewatkar, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services.

VHA submits astro turf proposal, again



Requests Rs 12 cr for turf and stadium under Khelo India Infrastructure Scheme

n By Paritosh Pramanik

WILL Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) be third time lucky?
The hockey governing body of the region has, for the third time in last three years, submitted proposal for an astro turf at its Amravati Road playfield.
Earlier, VHA had submitted their proposals twice after their file got ‘lost’ at Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, Pune.
Taking advantage of Government of India’s ‘Khelo India’ Infrastructure Scheme’, where government grants funds for development of sports infrastructure, VHA applied for grant for first ever turf to be constructed in entire Vidarbha.
VHA has re-submitted fresh proposal to District Sports Office, Nagpur earlier this month which forwarded it to the sports department, Pune.
A few days back, VHA officials also held a meeting with District Collector Ashwin Mudgal, who is the district head of ‘Khelo India Scheme’. He, too, gave green signal to VHA’s proposal, which has set the ball rolling.
During the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav held in April, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured all possible help to VHA in securing an astro turf in city.
Even former MLC Ajay Sancheti, during the prize distribution function of Khasdar Krida Mahotsav’s hockey tournament, had assured to take up the matter with higher ups regarding astro turf in Nagpur.
Since then things have started materialising fast, it seems, as VHA’s file has been received by the Maharashtra Sports Ministry in Pune.
Under the scheme VHA is likely to get Rs 7 crore for astro turf.
“According to Khelo India Scheme, Rs 7 crore is allotted for construction of astro turf which include, laying of new turf, water treatment plant, changing rooms and fencing around the field,” informed Vinod Gawai, Secretary, VHA.
“We have requested another Rs 5 crore for construction of spectators gallery (stands). We want to hold international matches in future. For that we also need a proper stadium for spectators. We have requested to construct stands with a seating capacity of at least 5000 spectators,” added Gawai.
The VHA secretary was elated with the speed of the initial paper work.
“The files are now moving fast thanks to the interest shown by Gadkariji and Sanchetiji in securing an astro turf in their own city. I am sure our dream of having an astro turf will be fulfilled in coming years,” he said.
“We will continue to co-ordinate and keep following up with concerned departments so that the work starts at the earliest,” Gawai assured.
Earlier, during the tenure of Radheshyam Sarda led body, VHA had sent the proposal twice after it got ‘lost’ in the government department at Pune.
But BC Bhartia and Vinod Gawai-led body, after assuming charge in 2017, followed up the matter and immediately prepared another fresh proposal.
VHA had earlier submitted proposals under the Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme to the District Sports Office and other concerned government departments. Letters and proposals were drafted and dispatched to Maharashtra Government in January last year.
The School Education and Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, on April 22, 2016 had forwarded VHA’s proposal to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, New Delhi requesting them to grant 100 per cent financial assistance for synthetic playing surface under Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS).
However, the proposal was caught in the proverbial bureaucratic red-tape. The elevation of the then Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as Chief Minister of Assam further added to the hurdles. 
VHA’s representative had met Sonowal before Assam elections but after that the process came to a grinding halt.
Later, VHA submitted all the required documents to the concerned department. However, to their bad luck, the ministry decided to rename the Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) and asked VHA to submit their proposal in ‘Khelo India Infrastructure Scheme’.
The then VHA president Sarda had also met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a letter requesting him to look into the matter. But still nothing concrete had happened.
Now, that the third proposal has been submitted, and the way things are taking shape, it looks it won’t be a distant dream of a turf in Nagpur.