Hockey India not to permit Vid sub-jr boys in nationals

Principal Correspondent

IN ANOTHER ignominy to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), Hockey India has decided not to entertain its team in the forthcoming 9th Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship.
The championship, last of the season, is going to be held at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh from June 17.
In an email reply to Vivek Siriah, with copies marked to VHA, Dr AP Joshi and Pramod Jain, Hockey India clearly stated that none of its team would be allowed to participate in the nationals unitl clarification from Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court is sought.
Hockey India Executive Direcror Cdr RK Shrivastava, VSM, also said the federation would move court to seek clarification regarding legalilty of the selection committee.
The AP Joshi-led VHA, on Tuesday, announced coaching camp-cum-selection trials for the sub-junior men’s national. This was after Vivek Siriah, on Monday, mailed a letter to Hockey India requesting the federation to allow his team to participate in the nationals. He also requested HI for railway concession, entry forms, players registration form.
But, a day earlier (on May 19), Jain, who has been appointed as secretary by the eight executive committee members, sent a mail through VHA email id to HI stating that the selection committee (of which Siriah is chairman) has already been dissolved by 
the executive committee on August 2018. 
He also attached a copy of a newspaper cutting with the letter to prove his point.
Hockey India also stated that the participation of the sub-junior women’s team in the B Division nationals as allowed “solely on the basis of the order of the Hon’ble High Court dated 15 May 2019. The said order is not applicable for future events.”
“Accordingly, in view of the fact that the selection committee under your (Siriah) aegis is a dispuited body, Hockey India will bot be permitting the team to participate in the Sub-Junior Hockey National Championship (B-Division) scheduled at Bilaspur from 17 June to 29 June 2019 and will not permit any other team to nparticipate in aby future event unless the order of the Hon’ble High Court High Court dated April 16 2019 is complied with,” said Hockey India’s mail.
“Furthermore, in the light of the continuing dispute, we are constrained to move the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, Nagpur Bench pursuant to Writ Petition No 488 of 2019 for a clarification that the selection committee should be appointed by the concerned administrator, which is in turn appointed through the Charity Commissioner’s office. Until then, it has become evident that the selection committee cannot be appointed without dispute. We will notify you as and when we will be moving the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, Nagpur Bench,” the mail, signed by Cdr Shrivastava, VSM, stated.
VHA will be moving court challenging HI’s decision. “We will definitely move court and challenge the decision,” Dr Joshi said.
Siriah’s phone was ‘switched off’ when ‘The Hitavada’ tried to contact him.

City’s Himanshi guides Mah to women’s sub-jr hockey final

Principal Correspondent

NAGPUR’S Himanshi Gawande scored a goal as Hockey Maharashtra pipped Uttarakhand 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship at Sikar in Rajashthan. Maharashtra will meet Hockey Himachal in final on Saturday.
Himanshi’s ever-improving performance in the tournament has helped Maharashtra team to make it to the summit clash.
A vital cog of Maharashtra team, Himanshi scored the opener in the all important semi-final on Friday. After playing a barren first quarter, Himanshi sounded the board three minutes into the second quarter to give her side the much needed lead.
Uttarakhand drew parity immediately through Monika Uniyal to change ends on an even keel.
In the 42nd minute Maharashtra’s Prajakta Mane scored the second which turned out to be the match winner.
Himanshi’s performance in the tournament is really praiseworthy as she has scored in almost all the matches which Maharashtra has played.
In the match against Mumbai, which Maharashtra won 6-0, Himanshi, a student of Ira International, had scored twice. In Maharashtra’s 9-0 thumping of Goa, Himanshi had scored a goal while against Kerala the Nagpur lass has scored two goals. Himanshi is coached by Shahid Bux who rates her very high. According to Bux, Himanshi has all the ingredients to make it to India camp.
Himanshi has represented Vidarbha in a couple of national championships. An ace forward line player, she has led the Vidarbha team in national championship too.
With Hockey India suspending Vidarbha Hockey Association and in search of better opportunities, Himanshi decided to attend trials of Maharashtra team at Pune. She got selcted on the basis of her excellent skills and proved her selection with excellent performance in the tournament.

Not Quite On Track

By Paritosh Pramanik

AN UNEVEN running track, no place to change clothes, incomplete sitting area, no lights, no arrangement for drinking water... Welcome to the Divisional Sports Complex’s Synthetic Track Stadium, Mankapur.
The recently-constructed first and only synthetic track has seen relaying within a couple of years. The track was laid in April 2017 and within two years the upper layer became uneven due to the red layered surface losing its grip with the layer beneath it.
When this track was under construction, athletes and coaches of the city had heaved a sigh of relief that they would get a proper place to practice. But due to apathy from government department, which handles the maintenance of the complex, the track has started earning a bad name even before it is properly recognised.
The upper layer of the synthetic track was relaid a few months back. Yet the ‘bubbles’ in the track remain at a couple places at the 100 metres stretch area. According to several athletes and coaches no watering is done on the track which is one of the major reasons for the rubber losing the adhesive.
When in use, players, specially female, find it difficult to change as there is no changing room. Above all, not a single washroom is in place at the compounded area of the synthetic track.
Players and coaches are praying with folded hands to get a chance to practice so that they could prepare for the forthcoming district, state and national meets. But they were told by the Deputy Director office that repair work was still going on and hence they could not practice. But when ‘The Hitavada’ visited the track no work was in progress.
Nagpur Improvement Trust appointed Super Construction Company of Nagpur to construct the stadium including the track. They then forwarded the work to Hyderabad’s Grace Infra Pvt Ltd at a cost of Rs around 40 cr.
But poor work quality of the synthetic track saw the upper red layer losing its granules and grip with lower layer and it was decided to relay the turf. The Divisional Sports Complex decided to shut the door and asked NIT to repair the track in January 2019. But till now the players are denied entry inside the stadium for practice.
When contacted, NIT washed its hands saying the track is ready and can be used by the players.
“We have no problem in players using the track. We had asked not to use the track for 20-25 days after it was relaid. It is ready barring a couple of spots which are yet to be repaired. But the other part of the track can be used by players,” said an Executive Engineer of NIT on condition of anonymity.
Several coaches have complained about non-availability of basic amenities at the synthetic track but all have fallen on deaf ears.
“There are no lights at the stadium due to which players can’t practice late in the evening. As the sun sets, anti-social elements throng the area making it risky for female players. There is no changing room for girls. The spectators gallery, where there are proposed washrooms and changing rooms, is incomplete. There are no lights. It is very difficult to train the players. Now we are told that the track repair work is still going on and we can’t use it,” said one of the aggrieved coaches.
“We want our athletes to train, if not at the synthetic track then at any other ground in the surrounding. But all the grounds are occupied either by cricketers or football players who did not allow us to practice there. Where should we go no,” asked the coach.
NIT’s contractor has stopped the work of spectators’ gallery due to non-payment of dues. “The work would start immediately after the pending bills of contractor are paid. Work of around Rs 8 crore is pending. After the Divisional Sports Complex Committee releases the funds, work will begin and will be completed as soon as possible,” said a source at NIT.
Deputy Director of Sports Subhash Rewatkar said they have received the funds and it would be released soon.
“We have received the funds and the same would be released soon. The construction work of stadium will be completed as early as possible,” he said.
On opening the gates of the synthetic track for players, Rewatkar said, “Once the remaining relaying work is completed they will allow the players.”
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Complete work on 
war-footing: Suryawanshi
Nagpur District Athletics Association secretary Dr Sharad Suryawanshi has demanded that the remaining work of the synthetic track should be completed on war-footing.
“Concerned department should complete the remaining work on war-footing. New athletics season has almost started and players need to prepare for that. As per new guidelines of Athletics Federation of India all the competitions of senior categories have to be held on synthetic tracks. For that our star and internationally acclaimed athletes like Nikita Raut, Prajakta Godbole have to practice on these tracks. 

“The authorities should allow players to practice on the relaid track leaving aside that part which is yet to be relaid,” requested Suryawanshi.

Vidarbha hockey heading towards court, again?

Both factions decide to hold selection trials for sub-junior boys’ nationals

Principal Correspondent

HOCKEY administrators are up against each other, once again, fighting with each other to ‘kill’ the careers of hockey players, this time of sub-junior boys.
Dr Arvind Joshi, who has been appointed as the president of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) by eight executive committee members, has announced dates for coaching-cum-selection-trials for the forthcoming 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship which is going to be held at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh in June.
The coaching camp cum selection trials are going to be held from May 26 at VHA ground.
But the High Court cleared selection committee headed by Vivek Siriah, too, is going to conduct the trials in coming days.
The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court had in its order dated April 16, 2019, said that there is ‘no dispute’ in the selection committee and they shall select the players and forward their names to Hockey India which shall thereupon permit the players to participate in the tournaments.
Siriah-selected girls sub-junior team participated in the nationals at Sikar in Rajasthan, recently.
But Joshi alleged that BC Bhartia and Vinod Gawai, while challenging Hockey India’s decision of denying Vidarbha teams participation in nationals, did not submit the actual letter of Hockey India before the court. He claimed that all the sub-committees were dissolved and hence the Siriah-led selection committee was illegal.
“Bhartia and Gawai did not submit actual facts in the court. (Vivek) Siriah too did not submit the mail he received from Hockey India which stated that his committee is not legal, in the court,” claimed Joshi.
He said they did not stretch the case further looking at the future of the girls who had already reached the venue for the nationals.
“We wanted the girls, who had reached Rajasthan, to play. Hence we did not argue in the court last time,” said Joshi. 
“But now we will submit the documents which state that the selection committee was dissolved,” added Joshi.
Siriah said he will also be conducting the trials in coming days.
“I will announce the trials dates within a couple of days. I will abide by the court’s order which has entrusted me in holding the trials,” said Siriah.
“Had my selection committee been illegal, they (AP Joshi panel) should have submitted the same in the court. Why did they keep silent then,” asked Siriah.
The press release issued by Joshi states that the coaching camp will be held from 6.30 to 8.30 am daily from May 26. Players born on and after 1-1-2003 are eligible for the coaching camp. 
“From aforesaid camp, players will be selected to represent Vidarbha hockey team in the forthcoming 9th HI Sub-Junior (Men) National Championship (B Division) to be held at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh from June 17 to July 2,” states the release.
Interested players of Vidarbha will have to report alongwith authority letter from their school, district president/secretary and original birth certificate issued by Municipal Corporation, Aadhar Card. They should report to incharge Dharamraj Kanojiya, or Prof Kunal Patil on May 26 at 6.30 am.
“More details can be had from VHA secretary Pramod Jain,” the release states.

‘Checkmate’, it’s all in the family!

Grandpa-grandson Thakurs, father-son Khherdekars make a mark at Raisoni chess

By Paritosh Pramanik

WE HAVE seen several fathers and sons playing in a competition either for the same team or as an opponent in several outdoor sports. Here, at the ongoing 1st GH Raisoni Rating Chess Tournament under way at Dr Ambedkar College of Management, Deekshabhoomi, a father and his son as well as a grandfather and his grandson are attracting people as they ‘hunt in pairs’ with their bold moves on 64 squares board.
Former national champion Sauravh Khherdekar, who is seeded fourth and is representing Railways in this rating chess tournament, is playing along with his 14-year-old son Arnav Kherdekar.
Similarly, Vijay Thakur, a 74-year-old veteran is father of renowned chess player of city Akash Thakur. Akash’s 8-year-old son Aarit is also participating in the tournament. A student of Modern School, Neeri, Aarit and his grandfather both have two points each from four rounds.
For fourth seed Khherdekar, he has recorded 4-out-of-4 wins and is running shoulder to shoulder with other leaders. His son Arnav had mustered three points from four games till Monday evening.
“It’s good to see your kid play along with you,” said Khherderkar senior.
“I won’t say he is a great player, but he is improving very fast. He regularly plays tournaments in Mumbai and is developing,” said Sauravh, who is working with Central Railways and shuttles between Mumbai and Nagpur.
Sauravh is born and brought up in Nagpur and has won several district as well as state level titles while in city. The family shifted to Mumbai after he got transferred. 
“I am at present giving online coaching to several foreign players. Most of them are from US,” revealed Sauravh. “At Mumbai too there are a few players whom I coach but mostly the coaching is online at present,” he added.
Eight-year-old Aarit Thakur was busy with his friends after his match when this scribe disturbed him. Very calmly he said, “I play with my father as well as my grandfather at my home. They both teach me the game of chess.”
When asked who wins between grandpa and him, Aarit hesitantly said, “Most of the times Grandpa wins, but at times I too beat him.”
Vijay Thakur, a couple of months back, had won the district Veterans’ title.
“He is a very senior and talented player. Akash has inherited those qualities from his father and now Aarit is doing so,” said Swapnil Bansod, Chief Arbiter of the tournament.
At present they are not yet paired but it would be interesting to see when they sit across the table and trade their moves to outwit each other.
These pairs are not making any major upsets but in coming years, the Khherdekars and the Thakurs would definitely made their families proud.

City’s Pranay Bandbuche conquers Mount Everest

By Paritosh Pramanik

PRANAY Bandbuche, a 30-year-old mountaineer from Nagpur has successfully scaled Mt Everest along with 13 foreigners, Monday morning. The team of 14 members, along with seven Sherpas, climbed the highest peak at 8.30 am and stood atop Mt Everest.
All the climbers are from Imagine Nepal Treks and found a second fair summit window on Mt Everest this spring season. Bandbuche was the only climber from India.
Apart from Nagpur’s Bandbuche, climbers who made it to the summit point include Flampouri Christina and Archontidou Vasiliki from Greece, Jia Lin Chang, Liu Yongzhong, Wang Xue Feng and Zeng Hui Wen from China, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Dawa Tenzin Sherpa, Tamting Sherpa, Lakpa Tamang, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Phurba Chhotar Sherpa and Dendi Sherpa.
Bandbuche, a member of CAC All-rounder, got training from Atal Behari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. He also climbed one of the toughest Hanuman Tibba peak in the Dhauldar Range to become only and the youngest from the city to achieve the feat.
Representing India, Bandbuche also climbed world famous Mt Deo Tibba, Mt Sithidhar and Europe’s highest peak Mt Elbrus.
If not only mountaineering, Bandbuche is also a cycling frenetic. He has completed 200 and 300 kms Brevets that too within time limits 11 hr and 36 mins and 18 hours respectively. He hails from Kuhi, Umred and helps his father in farming.
CAC All-rounder, where Bandbuche is a member is all proud of his achievement. Director Amol Khante said, “It is really proud moment for all of us. He has proved to all of us that he has the courage and determination to conquer any peak.
“Being a witness to Pranay’s entire journey it’s a proud moment for all of us. His success again proves that if given opportunity then what a simple, village background youth can achieve. This will also motivate youths of our region to take up challenges in their life,” Khante told ‘The Hitavada’.
Mingma Gyalje Sherpa is the Managing Director at Imagine Nepal Treks. “Kili Pemba and Archontidou Vasiliki reached the summit point at 8:00 am while others scaled the mountain at 7:15 am,” he said.
“Imagine Nepal team was the only expedition which made the final summit push on Mt Everest today,” Gyanendra Shrestha, a liaison officer at the base camp, said. “More than 200 climbers have already headed to the high camps to make their final summit pushes starting tomorrow. The summit window may last for the next three-four days,” he said.
“The climbers have been descending to Camp IV after the summit,” Shrestha added.
The first two-day weather window was closed on April 16 after over 150 world climbers made it to the summit of Mt Everest. A team of rope-fixing Sherpa climbers had opened a climbing route to the top becoming the first team to stand atop the roof of the world on April 14.

dribbling under the moon

Akash Chikte Sports Academy out to produce future stars


By Paritosh Pramanik

THERE is no dearth of talent in the hinterlands of this country, be it any sports. Players with abundance of talent can be found in remote villages and districts. Cricket, hockey, football, to name a few, are blessed with such outstanding players who were picked from the mud and dust-engulfed grounds and excelled in the national colours.
Hockey got a talented goalkeeper in Akash Anil Chikte, who was born and bred in a small Lohara village in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. The talent was spotted at a very early age. Graduating from Vidarbha hockey team to Krida Prabodhini in Pune, Chikte landed a job in BEG Pune and then grabbed the opportunity to seal India berth. Who other than Chikte knows better how important it is to discover talents from rural India.
With this aim, Chikte decided to start an academy in his hometown where he could spot talent, nurture them and then convert them into robust hockey players so that they could run shoulder to shoulder with the urban players.
The India goalkeeper recently started Akash Chikte Sports Academy in Yavatmal where he, along with his friends, provide free one-month hockey coaching to budding players from nearby villages.
They don’t have astro turf or any lawn field to practice upon. The stars for future are being made on the ‘chat’ of mud fields.
The academy is not just for the summer where kids spend time when they are away from their school. It will first spot talents during the one-month summer coaching and then train the selected one-year long.
Chikte started this academy with a long term plan and has even registered it with the Charity Commissioner’s office in Yavatmal.
Though they have got a piece of land at the outskirts of Yavatmal, the Akash Chikte Sports Academy (ACSA) is presently being run at Abhyankar Kanya School premises in Yavatmal.
At present there are around 100 budding talents at the academy. Plans are afoot to convert it into a residential one.
Though there are no specialised trainers or renowned international coaches, Chikte has used all his experience and recalled his days at Indian hockey camp while planning the training sessions for the campers. Be it fitness or strength building, all are scheduled meticulously.
Chikte knows rural players lack in fitness and he has made it sure that there is yo-yo test for all the players with proper points system (22.4 points for toppers and 18.5 for average).
The schedule also includes video sessions where the students are shown international matches and Chikte himself explains the moves and how the player defended.
For strength building Chikte has procured old used truck tyres. The players were asked to either pull them or roll them across to increase strength in the arms.
A proper diet plan is also there and players were served nutritious and full of proteins breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To make it less monotonous, jungle trekking, hill cycling, night camping, fun games, are also included in the schedule.
Players who have played nationals like Devendra Chaperiya, Shahid Sayyad, Pooja Bhoyar, Gourav Nimbolakar and Avinash Joshi are helping Chikte in coaching and training of the players.
One of the unique features is the midnight training for the players every Saturday. Training starts at 12 in the midnight and continues for nearly two hours.
“This is being done to improve concentration of players on the ball,” White, yellow astro turf balls are distributed to players and they have been asked to dribble them. The players are really enjoying practicing and learning at midnight. It really improves their concentration,” Chikte added.
“Yavatmal Police and 47 NCC battalion too came forward and helped us in providing the tents which are erected at school ground,” he added.
“I want more players from hinterlands to represent India. The talent here is in abundance. The only thing is that they require proper channel to deliver. I am trying to provide them that rope with which they can move up the ladder and don India colours one day,” Chikte told ‘The Hitavada’.
“We have around 100 players at present (55 girls ,40 boys , 10 support staff and five coaches). We have provided proper kits to all the players, trainers and coaches. The coaching is being imparted by senior players who have represented state in the past,” mentioned Chikte.
The summer camp is free of cost but it requires a lot of funds to run the ‘show’. Chikte decided to take a meager amount of Rs 10 from everybody, players, coaches, friends and well wishers. This Rs 10 is collected every Sunday.
“This helps us in generating a little bit of money. Major contribution is being done by my friends. I thank Yavatmal MLA Madan Yerawar who helped me in providing T-shirts for players,” said Chikte.
Chikte himself has loosened his purse strings for the academy. “Bahut paisa lag raha hai mera...per mai khush hu (I have spent a lot but I am happy).
“The gym session is done at Go Pro Fitness Centre while the cooling off is done at Dr Nandurkar College’s swimming pool,” he informed.
The academy will not only train players but it will also participate in various tournaments locally and around the country. “Once they are fully trained I will make it sure that they play matches all over the country. Exposure is very important for such players,” mentioned Chikte.
“I can’t create a player in just one month. After one month I can inform them what they should do, how to plan their schedule for next one year,” informed the India goalkeeper.
This might be the first of its kind academy in entire Vidarbha where an international repute player has come forward to train the budding hopes from villages. With such determination and dedication, Akash Chikte Sports Academy is sure to become a future nursery of hockey stars.

‘Iron out differences for sake of hockey players’

Several past, present players, administrators laud High Court’s decision

By Paritosh Pramanik

SEVERAL former hockey players and administrators welcomed the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court’s decision to include the sub-junior women’s hockey team of Vidarbha Hockey Association in the ongoing 9th Hockey India National Championship at Sikar, Rajasthan.
Justice Manish Pitale, on Wednesday, directed Hockey India to change their schedule and include VHA team in the ongoing 9th Sub-Junior Women’s nationals at Sikar, Rajasthan.
Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages specially on several WhatsApp groups of hockey players since morning.
Current and former VHA officials as well as players welcomed the court’s decision and hoped that the current stalemate in the association would be solved amicably.
A few also lauded the efforts taken by selection committee chairman Vivek Siriah for pursuing the matter relentlessly with Hockey India.
“Congratulations, today VHA sub-jr girls playing (their) 1st match at Sikar, Jaipur against Uttarakhand,” wrote former VHA joint secretary Bhaskar Naidu on a WhatsApp group.
Former secretary of VHA Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Triloki Nath Sidhra also lauded the court’s decision and also congratulated Siriah.
“At last God blessed the right of players to play at Sikar National Championship by virtue of High Court order. Congratulations to Mr Vivek Siriah and his party for the pain taken,” wrote Sidhra.
Sidhra also requested all the concerned to shun their egos and join hands to take the game to the next level.
“At least Nagpur hockey loving people should learn the lesson (from this) and solve (the issues) among themselves instead of spoiling the image of VHA in whole. All should come with broad mind and open heart for the right of players,” Sidhra added.
Shahid Shaikh of Yavatmal, too, congratulated VHA and said, “players toil hard under sun and their hardwork should not go down the drain.”
Though Vidarbha had a bad outing in their first encounter as they lost to Uttarakhand 7-0, Sidhra said it was part and parcel of the game.
“Losing and winning is not the matter, participation and learning the temperament of (playing at) nationals matters. If atmosphere before leaving Nagpur was (had been) peaceful there would be better result and better performance of the players too,” he wrote.
Chairman of selectors, Siriah thanked all and also requested the warring parties to bury their differences for betterment of hockey. In an emotional message he prayed all to give Vidarbha hockey a new ray of hope.
“With due respect, Appeal to all Seniors, Friend’s and colleagues, kindly bury all past differences and move ahead for betterment of hockey in the region. Argument and counter argument will lead us to nowhere, let’s give Vidarbha hockey a new ray of hope. Regard Vivek,” wrote Siriah.
A former hockey player Rahul Dhargawe congratulated the team for participating in the nationals. At the same time he thanked BC Bhartia, former VHA president and Vinod Gawai, former secretary and selection committee members for challenging Hockey India’s decision to ban VHA, in court.
“Heartily Congratulations. Thanks to Vinod Gawai sir, BC Bhartia sir, Bhaskar Naidu sir for a great support. Really good work and thanks to selection committee too for such wonderful job. Thanks to Vivek Siriah sir (Chairman), Ravi James sir (Convenor), Roshni Kupale madam who conducted the selection trials smoothly and sent the team for national Championships. #Best wishes,” wrote Dhargawe
VHA secretary Pramod Jain, who belongs to AP Joshi group, also welcomed the court’s decision. He was also of the opinion that differences among the executive members should be sorted out amicably in the interest of the game.
“I am very much happy at last that Vidarbha girls team got opportunity to play in national championship. All the differences among the executive members should be sorted out amicably in the interest of the game, and in future VHA should work for the betterment of hockey players and nobody among us (should) see the doors of Courts,” wrote Jain.
In a message to this scribe, former secretary Vinod Gawai said they had to move court for the right of hockey players.
Gawai also said that he was deeply hurt that four teams of VHA could not participate in earlier nationals due to the chaos and confusion created by some people. “We have to move the court for the rights of hockey players. Some people, for their personal gain, created chaos in VHA. They misrepresented Hockey India and even press and were happy with the suspension of VHA. We had no option but to move to hon’ble High Court. Our stand vindicated and we got the justice for hockey players of Vidarbha,” wrote Gawai.
Gawai was of the view that everything would be fine once fresh elections are held.
The elections are due since several months. “I hope everything will be all right soon after the fresh elections. Loss of four nationals participation and halt to the well developed chance of astro turf at VHA will always hurt me. Let’s hope for the best in future,” Gawai concluded.
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Poor start by
VHA girls in nationals

Principal Correspondent

IT WAS a mixed day for Vidarbha sub-junior women’s team at the 9th Hockey India National Championship at Sikar in Rajasthan. Even though they ‘won’ the chance to play in the national meet after High Court’s order, their performance on the field was not praiseworthy.
Vidarbha lost their first match to Uttarakhand by six goals.
Uttarakhand’s Khushi Katariya scored four goals in (21st, 28th, 33rd and 50th minutes) while skipper Monika Uniyal (6th, 59th) scored two in their team’s win.
Vidarbha are placed in Pool C along with Uttarakhand, Sports Authority of Gujarat Hockey Academy and Hockey Madhya Bharat. Next match on May 18 against Sports Authority of Gujarat Hockey Academy.

Make changes in schedule and let VHA play: HC to HI

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN A major victory for the sub-junior girls of team Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has directed Hockey India (HI) to permit Vidarbha squad in the women’s sub-junior nationals which got under way from Wednesday at Sikar, Rajasthan.
In its order the court said the players should not be the victims of infighting of the committee members.
According to sources, in the late development on Tuesday, Hockey India had sought clarification from High Court regarding its order delivered on April 16 about the legality of the selection committee.
On Wednesday, High Court passed the order in favour of the selection committee and directed Hockey India to “permit the players sent on behalf of the Vidarbha Hockey Association to participate in the 9th All India Sub-Junior Women National Championship (Division B).
The court observed that “as regards the question as the whether the players sent on behalf of the Vidarbha Hockey Association to participate in the said tournament were selected by an undisputed selection committee or not, at this stage this Court refuses to go into the said question” and asked the organising committee to permit them to play and “make appropriate changes in the schedule of the tournament which is to start from today.”
All the parties in VHA were of the view that the team which is present at the venue should play the tournament.
“Everybody present including AP Joshi and Pramod Jain supported to let the selected team play in the nationals,” said a source.
“They only wanted that the team list should be sent to Hockey India through president (Joshi) and secretary’s (Jain) signature. But no heed was paid to this request as the Judge repeatedly said ‘let the team present at the venue play,” the source added.
The court in earlier order had directed the selection committee, ‘in respect of whom there is no dispute’, to select the team.
On Wednesday High Court observed that the selection committee followed the court’s order and “did actually forward the names of players for representing Vidarbha Hockey Association in the national championship.”
The court also pointed out that the selected players have already reached the venue of the tournament to represent Vidarbha Hockey Association and hence directed Hockey India to permit them to participate.
The single judge bench of Justice Manish Pitale also observed that it was unfortunate that due to inter se rivalry and dispute between to factions of VHA, the players representing the Association are the ultimate victims.
“It has to be kept in mind that the primary function of sports associations like VHA is to ensure that the best team representing the association participates in tournaments so that sports persons and the sports itself is given due encouragement,” the court observed.
The High Court also said if the players are not allowed to participate they would be unable to showcase their skills and their morale would be lowered. 
In its order the court directed Hockey India to conduct the process of verification of age under national code against age fraud in sports and other compliance required under the norms laid down by International Hockey Federation.
When contacted AP Joshi said, “We all wanted the players to play the tournament. I have already said that the players should not suffer. Hence we all wanted the team sent by Siriah to play.”

VHA sub-jr girls denied participation in nationals

By Paritosh Pramanik

CONFUSION over legal status of its selection committee has resulted in Vidarbha Hockey Association’s (VHA) sub-junior girls team being denied participation at the Hockey India’s 9th Sub-Junior National Championship .
The VHA selection committee, led by Vivek Siriah, had picked the team for the tournament to be held in Sikar, Rajasthan. It had an order of the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court to select a team and send it as official entry to the Hockey India. However, the organisers denied Vidarbha entry citing dispute over the selection that was dubbed as illegal by the other body in VHA.
The girls team went to Sikar with high hopes of representing the ‘State’. But they suffered a rude shock when they were told that the team can not participate as their entry is not okayed by Hockey India.
‘The Hitavada’ had published about bleak chances of Vidarbha team’s participation in the nationals. Hockey India’s had suspended VHA for the season for the infighting between its executive committee members. The committee was divided in two groups with one faction led by AP Joshi and the other by BC Bhartia.
When VHA was denied participation in the senior men’s nationals earlier this year, now suspended Vinod Gawai had approached High Court challenging Hockey India’s decision.
The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court, in its interim order, had asked the selection committee, which was ‘not in any dispute’ to conduct the selection trials and send the team for nationals. Siriah, chairman of the selection committee conducted selection trials and declared the team for the nationals.
However, Hockey India refused to entertain VHA’s team.
Arun Kumar Saraswat, President of Hockey Rajasthan said he can’t allow Vidarbha to participate as Hockey India has not forwarded their name.
“How can I allow Vidarbha to participate when Hockey India has not forwarded their name,” he asked.
“The association is suspended by Hockey India and the fixtures are made well in advance. If Hockey India permits only then VHA team can participate,” Saraswat clarified.
The development has come as a big disappointment for VHA. “I am really unhappy with the turn of events. I have nothing to do with the bickering between the groups in VHA. I announced the selection trials only after High Court ordered.
“Now that Hockey India is not abiding by the court’s order is really shocking,” said Siriah.
Siriah said he was in contact with Hockey India since last 15 days or so. “I was in touch with Hockey India for more than two weeks. I have mailed them all the documents including court’s order. But I did not receive any reply. With the tournament dates approaching I had to send the team. Otherwise it would have been contempt. I was only following the court’s directives,” explained Siriah.
Siriah said the team is still in Sikar with a slender hope of playing. “We have asked the team to stay put in Sikar. We will make the last ditch effort on Wednesday morning. Let’s hope for the best,” he said. Siriah recalled that around two decades back same situation had prevailed when two teams from Vidarbha used to travel for nationals and were thrown out by the organisers.
“After more than 20 years, the infighting among officials continue. I was the sufferer two decades ago. We had returned without participating in the nationals. Nothing has changed in VHA since then. The officials are fighting for posts and are egoistic. They hardly care about the careers of players. It is a very pitiful condition,” said Siriah, a former national-level forward.

Raunak wins People’s Choice Award

By Paritosh Pramanik

CITY’S youngest and International Master in chess Raunak Bharat Sadhwani added another feather to his cap by winning the People’s Choice Award constituted by Lakshya Sports.
Pune based Not for Profit organisation Lakshya Sports supports several national and international sports personalities. The organisation is also helping several Indian athletes prepare for Tokyo Olympics.
Lakshya recently launched its awards contest where the winner was selected by general public through online voting.
City’s talented and youngest Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Raunak emerged winner with maximum votes. He pipped the likes of Aditya Mittal (chess), Naman Tanwar (boxing) and Yash Aradhya (motor racing).
The award function was held at Pune a couple of days back.
Raunak, a student of Centre Point School, Katol Road, is supported by Lakshya and Sony Pictures Network Limited.
Raunak received the award from Sony CSR head Rajkumar Bidawatka amid presence of several international sports personalities which included Grandmaster Abhijeet Kunte, Pooja Rani who recently won gold medal at Asian Athletics, table tennis star Manika Batra to name a few.
Raunak was ecstatic after winning the prestigious award. “It means a lot to me. This award is really special as it was based on voting system. Countrymen chose me for this award rather than any panellists,” said Raunak. “It proves that I am favourite to so many people around the country,” he added.
Raunak said it is just the beginning and he will work hard to win many such awards in future.
“It’s just a beginning. I want to achieve many more prestigious awards in future and for that I will work hard because every award is based on performance. If I perform well the awards would come,” said Raunak.
The chess wizard said he was confident of winning the award as he has performed well in recent past. “I was confident of winning as I have won a title at The Arbor School Blitz Tournament, organised by Home of Chess, Dubai, UAE and did well at the 21st Dubai Open,” he mentioned.
Raunak will be preparing for a few tournaments lined up in June and would try to get the GM title in these tournaments.
“I will be playing tournaments in Europe, Russia and China in June. I have started preparation for it and would try to get the Grand Master title during these tournaments,” said Raunak, son of Bharat and Heena Sadhwani.
“I am training hard to take my game to the next level,” concluded 13-year-old Raunak, who trains with a Russian Grandmaster.

Sub-jr hockey selection trials held but participation in nationals still unsure

By Paritosh Pramanik

UNCERTAINTY and confusion continue to prevail over participation of sub-junior girls hockey team of Vidarbha Hockey Association even as the ‘chairman’ of the ‘selection committee’ Vivek Siriah conducted selection trials for the 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s B Division Nationals to be held at Sikar in Rajasthan from May 15-25.
Hockey India has suspended Vidarbha Hockey Association for the season 2018-19 due to infighting among the executive committee members and asked the association to iron out its differences before sending any team for nationals.
But citing a High Court decision, the BC Bhartia-appointed selection committee, conducted selection trials on May 1-2 and picked 18 members for the sub-junior nationals, it has been learnt.
Interestingly, the championship fixtures posted on its website by Hockey India do not have the name of VHA’s team.
On April 18, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, in its interim order, had asked the selection committee of the petitioner association (VHA) to conducted trials and send team for the nationals.
However, Arvind Joshi and Pramod Jain, whom Hockey India has referred to as President and Secretary of VHA in its official website, claimed that the selections trials were illegal as all the committees had been dissolved by the association in earlier meetings.
As per rules, the president or the secretary has to officially sign the selected team and send it to the tournament organising committee. With Joshi and Jain claiming the trials illegal, it is still not clear who would be the signing authority, if the team is allowed to participate.
The Joshi and Jain-led eight committee members have suspended both ‘president’ BC Bhartia and ‘secretary’ Gawai. Whether the team sent by Bhartia and Gawai would be allowed to participate by Hockey India is still not clear.
Arun Kumar Saraswat, president of Hockey Rajasthan, said they have not yet received any information regarding participation or non participation of Vidarbha team.
“Whichever team Hockey India permits, we would allow them. We have not yet received any instructions from Hockey India regarding Vidarbha’s participation,” Saraswat told ‘The Hitavada’ over phone.
The Vivek Siriah-headed selection committee is in constant touch with Hockey India. They have mailed the court order copy and the list of selected players to Hockey India. But they are yet to receive any reply from the hockey governing body of the country, it has been learnt.
Though the team is yet to be declared officially, those selected are being asked to attend a camp from May 8. If Hockey India allows Vidarbha team to participate, it would be a great news for the players. But if not, then once again, it would be only the players who would suffer because of the ego clashes of the officials.