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Staff Reporter
HOCKEY India has ruled out participation of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) teams in national tournaments on the lines of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and reiterated that players can be part of Hockey Maharashtra team. In response to a specific query from Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court whether Hockey India, apex body of hockey governing in the country, would continue participation of VHA members under their existing banner in the sports activities carried out by the federation, the Hockey India stick to One State One Unit norm and refused to concede in favour of VHA, much to the disappointment of hockey players of this backward region. The federation has also ruled out continuation of VHA as a separate entity from July 1.
In a detailed pursis filed before the High Court, the Hockey India counsel Adv Shreerang Bhandarkar informed that affiliation of VHA would be withdrawn from July 1 and henceforth Hockey Maharashtra would be the only registered unit for Maharashtra.
The pursis has come as a shocker for the hockey lovers of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh region who wanted to maintain separate existence of VHA in the interest of players while offering to forgo any financial aid and voting rights. Even the High Court on the last occasion had sought a firm word from Hockey India about protection of future of hockey players belonging to VHA. The Hockey India as a sweetener claimed that players from this region can be part of State unit or PSUs or departments enjoying associate member status during national championships, virtually indicating its non-flexible stance about discontinuing affiliation of VHA.
The VHA had sought parity with Vidarbha Cricket Association and stated that both VHA and VCA were protecting interests of hockey and cricket players respectively by allowing them to participate in national level tournaments while repeatedly making it clear that VHA was not interested in getting voting rights. Both VHA and VCA were formed during earlier CP and Berar and hence sought a direction to apex federation to allow VHA to retain its existence for the benefit of players from 22 districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh region.
Hockey India had decided to disaffiliate VHA from July 1. VHA claimed that it was in existence since 1959 and applying one state one unit norm of Justice (retd) R M Lodha committee report applied to Cricket Boards would be unfair and unjust to VHA, which was not interested in getting voting right at all. The stance taken by Hockey India to recognise only Hockey Maharashtra as a single unit for the state will reduce opportunity for players from Vidarbha at national level.
On January 6, 2020, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s One-State-One Unit diktat. VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is a Permanent Member of HI. VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams have participated in Hockey India organised nationals. Non affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India and put careers of budding players in jeopardy, the petitioner apprehended.
Hockey India has made it clear from 2021 only recognised state units will be allowed and only Public Sector Undertakings/departments would be allowed to directly participate in national units as associate members.
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Staff Reporter
INDICATING that it would like to have a firm assurance from Hockey India about protection of future of hockey players belonging to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Friday asked the apex body whether VHA could be permitted to participate in hockey activities to be conducted by Hockey India under the banner of VHA.
VHA sought parity with Vidarbha Cricket Association and stated that both VHA and VCA were protecting interests of hockey and cricket players by allowing them to participate in national level tournaments while repeatedly making it clear that VHA was not interested in getting voting rights.
Both VHA and VCA were formed during earlier CP and Berar and while other two hockey associations in Maharashtra functional, the VHA should be allowed to retain its existence for the benefit of players from Vidarbha, Marathawada and Khandesh region, VHA demanded while seeking urgent relief.
Hockey India had decided to disaffiliate VHA from July 1. VHA claimed that it was in existence since 1959 and applying one state one unit norm of Justice (retd) R M Lodha committee report applied to Cricket Boards would be unfair and unjust to VHA, which was not interested in getting voting right at all.
A division bench consisting of Justice Ravi Deshpande and Justice Amit Borkar, while hearing a petition filed by VHA against the decision of Hockey India to disaffiliate the unit, sought to know whether it would continue participation of VHA members under their existing banner in the sports activities carried out by the federation.
Hockey India counsel Adv Shreerang Bhandarkar informed that the apex body would recognise only Hockey Maharashtra as a single unit for the state and VHA is free to participate through the state body. But this in effect, will reduce opportunity for players from Vidarbha at national level, the VHA requested to allow its separate participation only in sporting activities. Adv Anand Parchure, appearing for the VHA, sought such a promise from Hockey India and the High Court also asked Adv Bhandarkar to file a specific pursis on this point before the next hearing slated on July 30.
According to VHA, in Maharashtra, there are three units including VHA at Nagpur representing 22 districts of Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada hockey players, Mumbai Hockey Association at Mumbai and Maharashtra Hockey Association at Pune. VHA has a glorious past and is in possession of 3.80 acre land at Civil Lines and 2.5 acre land at Sadar since six decades, where regular hockey tournaments and camps are held for players since decades.
The petitioner-association repeatedly stated that it was fighting the battle to retain the existence for the sake of the career of hundreds of hockey players of the region and was not interested in affairs of the national body now known as Hockey India (earlier Indian Hockey Federation). VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra in his petition also pointed out earlier attempts to dissuade Hockey India not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships. The letter was sent to Hockey India on February 19, 2020 followed by another representation dated May 29 but till date no reply has been received by the association, stated Adv Anand Parchure appearing for VHA.
On June 3, VHA forwarded the annual subscription fee, but the same was returned by Hockey India stating that since the VHA’s membership would cease to exist on July 1, there was no question of accepting the subscription fees, forcing VHA to knock the doors of the High Court.
On January 6, 2020, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s one state one unit diktat. VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is a Permanent Member of HI.
VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams have participated in Hockey India organised nationals. Non affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India and put careers of budding players in jeopardy, the petitioner apprehended.
Staff Reporter
WITH the sword of disaffiliation hanging on its head, the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) on Friday moved the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court seeking urgent stay to the decision of Hockey India to disaffiliate VHA from July 1. VHA claimed that it was in existence since 1959 and applying ‘One State One Unit’ norm of Justice (retd) R M Lodha Committee report that applied to Cricket Boards would be unfair and unjust to VHA. In fact, VHA was not interested in getting voting right at all.
A division bench consisting of Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Anil Kilor issued notice to Hockey India and posted the matter for final disposal on June 26.
According to VHA, in Maharashtra, there are three units including VHA at Nagpur representing 22 districts of Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada hockey players, Mumbai Hockey Association and Maharashtra Hockey Association at Pune. VHA has a glorious past and is in possession of 3.80 acre land at Civil Lines and 2.5 acre land at Sadar since five decades, where regular hockey tournaments and camps are held for players
since decades.
The petitioner-association repeatedly stated that it was fighting the battle to retain the existence for the sake of the career of hundreds of hockey players of the region and was not interested in affairs of the national body now known as Hockey India (earlier Indian Hockey Federation).
VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra in his petition also pointed out earlier attempts to dissuade Hockey India not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships. The letter was sent to Hockey India on February 19, 2020 followed by another representation dated May 29 but till date no reply has been received by the association, stated
Adv Anand Parchure appearing for VHA.
On June 3, VHA forwarded the annual subscription fee, but the same was returned by Hockey India stating that since the VHA’s membership would cease to exist on July 1, there was no question of accepting the subscription fees, forcing VHA to knock the doors of the High Court.
On January 6, 2020, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s ‘One State One Unit’ diktat. VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is a Permanent Member of HI. VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams have participated in Hockey India organised nationals. Non-affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India and put careers of budding players in jeopardy, the petitioner apprehended while seeking stay to this move detrimental to the interests of hockey players.
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Since there was no reply from Hockey India I had no other option but to move court. I have already said that VHA is not interested in vote policy. We have never voted in Hockey India nor we want any voting power in future. VHA only wants it’s players get chance to play in Hockey India organised national championships. We have never received any benefits from HI nor are we want any financial grant from them. We only want to protect and safeguard interest of players from the region. —TN Sidhra
By Paritosh Pramanik
AFTER several athletes flouted guidelines put up by the district athletics association as well as the physical education department of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Secretary, Nagpur District Athletics Association, who is also the Director of RTMNU Department of Physical Education and Sports asked all coaches and athletes to follow the rules strictly or face strict action.
Dr Suryawanshi took cognisance of the report published in ‘The Hitavada’ with pictures of athletes training at the Reshimbagh ground a couple of days back. He asked coaches to strictly maintain social distancing which was not visible during the training.
Athletes as well as coaches were seen flouting guidelines put up by the civic authorities. NDAA held a meeting and issued several guidelines for athletes and coaches. “We had opened University track for athletes but had to close it down after two days as social distancing norms and other guidelines were not followed. We will reopen the ground from Monday and have asked all the coaches and athletes to follow the rules,” said Dr Suryawanshi while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
“Those (college students) not following rules will be denied entry into the ground. At university ground, we have issued cards to athletes and coaches. If the rules are not followed we will cancel their entry cards,” warned Dr Suryawanshi.
“Violators of rules training at different venues like Reshimbagh will not be allowed to attend trials for the inter-district competitions,” Dr Suryawanshi informed.
“Strict orders are given to the guard at the gate when we reopen the university ground from Monday,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
“Not only players, even coaches, if found guilty for not adhering to the guidelines, will be taken to task,” said Dr Suryawanshi.
Not only at RTM Nagpur Univeristy’s ground, athletes will have to follow guidelines at Reshimbagh ground as well and at all other places.
“Athletes will have to follow the rules where ever they train. Even coaches will have to keep a tab on each and every player whether he/she is following the rules or not,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
“We have asked athletes to jog on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) and always maintain distance. Even while warming up this has to be followed,” Dr Suryawanshi further said. “Most of our athletes come from lower-middle class and reside in congested areas. It is important to guide them the benefits of social distancing and maintaining hygiene. Coaches will have to teach this to the athletes,” he concluded.
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Guidelines for athletes, coaches
Athletes, coaches should wear facemasks all the time
All athletes, coaches should carry hand sanitisers and use them frequently
Only 20 athletes permitted (in a group of not more than five) on a 400-m track at any given time
All athletes, coaches will have to maintain physical distancing
Athletes should jog, run on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) of the track
Athletes are not allowed to warm-up and cool down in group
Athletes must bring their own mat for stretching exercises
Every athlete will have to carry a kit bag. Nakpins used to wipe sweat, changers, shoes should be kept in the bag immediately after the practice
Every athlete, coach must carry his/her own water bottle. Sharing of water bottles not permitted
Shoes, socks changers, tracksuit to be washed daily
Equipment should be sanitised by the athlete before and after training
Athletes, coaches suffering with cough, cold, fever should stay at home
Proper distance (at least 5 metres) should be maintain by coaches while giving instructions to athletes
Handshakes, high-fives, hugs strictly not permissible
Parents not allowed near the training area
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By Paritosh Pramanik
TOP flight football clubs of the city will get an opportunity to train on the lush green lawn
turf of Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Football Stadium prior to this season’s competition.
The Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) is planning to allow only Elite and Super Division clubs to train at the new stadium to get the feel of the turf.
With the sporting activities crawling back to normalcy after more than two months of lockdown which was imposed do break the chain of deadly coronavirus, footballers clubs will certainly begin their practice in coming days.
There are 10 clubs that participate in Elite Division while 12 take part in Super Division.
Rahul Sankrutyayan Sports Association are the defending champions of the 2019 edition of the JSW Elite Division Football Championship. In the entertaining final, they had ousted reigning champions Young Muslim Football Club (YMFC) in sudden death (5-3) to wrest the title.
Though there is a big question mark over the start of competitions across all divisions, clubs might start their training during this monsoon season.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, NDFA President Haresh Vora said that they will readily allow clubs to train on the new turf.
“The Elite and Super Division Clubs will be permitted to train and play a couple of practice matches on the new lawn turf. It is necessary for them to get the feel of the newly laid lawn. This will also help them adjust to the ground conditions,” stated Vora.
The best thing is that NDFA won’t charge for practice from the clubs. “The ground is of players and clubs. We won’t charge a penny from the clubs,” stated Vora. The ground is ready for action and the work of erecting goalposts is remaining.
The washrooms and changing rooms are ready.
“In a day or two goalposts will be erected on the ground. Water connection to toilets and washrooms are completed,” said Vora.
Though the Nagpur Civic authority has permitted outdoor exercise with social distancing and other guidelines, NDFA is yet to chalk out any such guidelines.
“We have not yet given any guidelines to clubs. We will be holding our executive meeting soon and then we will decide on forming any set of rules for players and clubs,” added Vora.
“We will be strictly asking every club to bring doctor’s certificate of each and every player before the match. This rule is very old but was not followed by the clubs. But after the coronavirus pandemic, we will be following this rule very strictly. No player will be allowed to play a match without doctor’s certificate,” he asserted. “At present, work of clearing out the weeds from the ground is on full swing. In the first year we will have to take utmost care of the lawn as the unwanted weeds damages the lawn. From next year it would not trouble that much.” informed Vora.
As the maintenance cost would be high NDFA is also planning to rent out the ground to corporate houses for their ‘matches’.
“We will be requiring a lot of money to maintain this turf and also the entire stadium. We are planning to rent out the stadium to big corporate houses and in return request them to help us in maintaining the stadium,”
said Vora.
“If a corporate house helps us in constructing spectators gallery then we can allot them the ground for, say, one month in a year. Similar things can be worked out once we sit together with the interested parties,” Vora, who is also Vice-President of Western India Football Association, said.
ALREADY under pressure to produce match-winning performances in the batsmen-dominated game, International Cricket Council Cricket Committee’s new guidelines restricting use of saliva to shine the ball has made it more difficult for the speed merchants all over the globe.
Bowlers use saliva on the red cherry in an attempt to keep the shine on one side intact which helps in swinging their deliveries. But due to the coronavirus, which spreads through contacts, ICC’s new rules, though temporary, have made life more difficult for the pacers.
‘The Hitavada’s Paritosh Pramanik talked with India pacer Umesh Yadav on the issue and also on the alternative to saliva. The speedster, who recently completed 10 years in international cricket, also shared his views on India’s forthcoming tour of Australia in October and the time he judiciously used during the long lockdown. A veteran of Indian cricket with 46 Tests, 75 ODIs, 7 T20Is and 119 IPL games, Umesh used the time during lockdown to recover from niggles and strengthen his weak areas.
Excerpts:
Q: How much will the ICC decision of banning use of saliva to shine the ball impact a pace bowler?
Umesh: I think it would be a bit difficult to bowl without the use of saliva. Using saliva to shine the ball is part of the sport since ages. I think saliva is more helpful than sweat (in shining the ball) because of the layer it forms. We will come to know about the difficulties only after we start bowling in the nets. Then only we can raise our concerns on what difficulties we are facing and how the ball is behaving.
Q: Should there be an alternative?
Umesh: I don’t know what will be the alternative to use of saliva. The only other option we have is sweat on the body. You can shine the ball by vigorously rubbing it on your trousers after applying sweat on it. ICC has put up several guidelines and we will have to check all those first.
Q: India’s tour to Australia is scheduled in October. How would the Indian pacers tackle Aussie batsmen in their home conditions?
Umesh: There is still time for India’s tour of Australia. Our home training itself is yet to start. Let the training begin first. Once we start training then only we will discuss on how to tackle and handle Aussie batsmen. This is not our first tour, we have played there earlier also and we are playing against and with the Australians quite frequently in the recent past. We will plan accordingly how to tackle the new batsmen, if any, in their side. First, we have to start our
training and make ourselves match fit.
Q. Who do you think will be more impactful -- seamers or spinners -- in Australia?
Umesh: I can’t say who would be more impactful. Every bowler would try to give his best. There might be a bowler who would bowl exceptionally well but won’t get wickets...There might be a time, an out-of-form bowler getting wickets. So, it depends on situation, condition and on your luck. It would depend on bowlers’ form, in what phase they are and how the conditions are. India boast of excellent bowlers, be it seamers or spinners, and I think someone would definitely deliver his best.
Q: How did you use this forced break of more than two months?
Umesh: I think this lockdown is for everyone and all are using this break in the best possible way. After playing international cricket continuously without break, players are using this time to recuperate from niggles and injuries. I am also using this time to iron out my weaknesses and build strength on those parts of body that were weak. I am also working on building my strength and trying to recover from those minor niggles so that when I return to the field after two months’ break, I would feel fresh and energetic.
Q: Did this unwanted break make negative impact on your fitness as a bowler?
Umesh: I don’t think that it would have any negative impact on players’ mind. It depends on an individual how he trains to keep himself fit, how he keeps himself positive. Even if you are at home, you get ample of time for training and fitness. Yes, I am unable to bowl and not getting the feel of the ground during this break. However, I think when cricket resumes, we will get those feelings back. The rhythm will be back within a few sessions of training. The most important thing is to keep the body fit and stay in a positive frame of mind.
Q: What is your take on the relaxation granted by the government for outdoor exercises?
Umesh: It is a good news for all sportspersons that government has permitted outdoor training and exercise. To get back in rhythm, it is important to be on the field and I think we should use this time judiciously.
Q: Any message for citizens for this unlocking period?
Umesh: I would appeal citizens to strictly follow the rules put up by the authorities, maintain social distancing, wash your hands frequently, use sanitisers, wear masks whenever you are in public, use gloves and avoid going to crowded places. I request all to avoid moving out of house unless it is very important. If we follow the rules we will beat coronavirus. Have patience and stay safe.
International carrom champ Irshad finding it difficult to make ends meet
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE wheels have stopped rolling in March. So did his daily income. Despite conquering the world of carrom at the turn of last year at Pune, Irshad Ahmed, city’s International Carrom Federation Cup champion, is now forced to feed his huge family of 11 members on the generosity shown by his friends from India and world over.
With no job, the talented carrom champion Irshad drives autorickshaw to earn his living. But since the deadly coronavirus took the entire globe in its grip, Irshad has lost his daily income which he used to earn by ferrying commuters.
The lockdown which has been imposed to break the chain of COVID-19 since March has put brakes on Irshad’s earnings.
Irshad might have pocketed many a black and white slam but the lockdown has left his pockets empty, literally.
“I am the eldest among five brothers. My father lost job after Empress Mill was closed. Since then I am taking care of my family. My younger brother Shamshad Ahmed and I drive auto in turns to feed our family. One of my younger brothers used to work at a printing press in Mahal but since it is also closed, he is jobless. I have three kids with the eldest son aged 10. For a few days we managed to somehow survive on my savings. But that evaporated in no time,” Irshad, who lives in Mominpura, told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Today I am finding it hard to feed my family,” the 37-year-old admitted.
It would have been very difficult for Irshad to arrange two square meals had his carrom-mates from UAE, UK, USA
and India not helped him financially.
Last December, Irshad defeated Prashant More of Mumbai in a fierce battle to wrest the title. But that rivalry was restricted to the carrom board only. It was More who came forward and financially helped Irshad in this hour of need.
“I am highly indebted to More who helped me financially and also asked a few players from England (Mohammed Ali), UAE (Mohammed Azam) USA (Vishal Kalangutkar) to support me. Even Alimuddin Mulla and Amey Kulkarni (both from Mumbai) helped me and I am grateful to all of them. But I can’t feed my family always on my friends’ help,” he said.
“I know the entire world is suffering due to this pandemic and we should support our government and the frontline warriors at this time. But I think government should help us needy sportspersons in providing jobs. When I won the world title (which is also known as Mini World Cup with 16 nations’ participation) in December, Girish Vyasji (MLC) assured me a job. But till date nothing has happened. Still, I am hopeful,” said Irshad, who has won several state and national level titles, the latest being the state ranking meet in February.
Incidentally, Vyas is Patron of All India Carrom Fededation.
Irshad said it is very taxing while driving and then practising carrom.
“My arms and muscles get stiff after driving autorickshaw whole day. I need to massage them in night so that I can practice. It’s very painful when I sit and practice, my fingers shudder,” Irshad revealed his ordeal.
“My mother stitches clothes but since last three months she is also jobless,” Irshad said with a choked voice.
What is more painful for Irshad is that none of the Vidarbha Carrom Association officials, whom he represents in National meets, has come forward to help him. “I have won many a medal for them (VCA) but till date not a single official came to meet me leave aside making a courtesy call,” lamented Irshad.
“I think they should help me in getting a decent job,” he added.
Irshad hopes soon he would be back on the driver’s seat, though reluctantly.
Since three months, VHA Administrator Sidhra waiting for Hockey India’s reply
By Paritosh Pramanik
IN A valiant attempt to save the rightful existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) and career of hundreds of hockey players of the region, High Court appointed VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra has written a letter to Hockey India requesting them not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships.
The letter was sent to Hockey India in February but till date no reply has been received by the association which has its headquarters in Nagpur.
“On Wednesday also I had a talk with Cdr RK Srivastava (VSM), Executive Director, Hockey India but there was no reply to the letter which I mailed to them. He only asked me to update the players registration on the portal,” Sidhra told ‘The Hitavada’ on Friday.
In January this year, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to get merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s One-State-One Unit diktat.
VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is Permanent Member of HI.
VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams participated in Hockey India organised nationals.
The then Hockey India Secretary Narinder Batra had even welcomed VHA with open arms and had assured it of full support. “I welcome Vidarbha Hockey Association for their entry into Hockey India as an Associate Member. Vidarbha Hockey Association, who have their own Hockey grounds, needs to make best use of their facilities and produce more and more players. Hockey India will give its full support to Vidarbha Hockey Association for the development of the sport in their areas. I am hopeful that Vidarbha Hockey Association will put in its best efforts to promote the game at grassroot level by organising more and more tournaments in Nagpur and nearby areas,” Batra had said.
However, in January this year, citing IOA diktat, Hockey India gave VHA and 10 other Associate Members six months’ time to get merge with their State Units.
VHA Administrator Sidhra, in his letter, stated that VHA is around 60 years old hockey governing body of Vidarbha and was associated with the federation (the erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation) since 1960. He also informed that Nagpur, the headquarters of VHA, had played host to many invitational and show matches between India and visiting European teams in 80s.
“Vidarbha has a rich culture of hockey since many decades. The association has 22 affiliated districts from Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada. We are not interested in voting rights of Hockey India. We only want all our teams (six) to participate in Hockey India organised nationals. We want to secure career of our players,” Sidhra stated.
Sidhra further wrote, “In 1960, Government of Maharashtra allotted land to VHA (3.80 acre in Civil Lines and 2.5 acre in Sadar area) and regular camps and tournaments are being held for all age groups.
There are 20 Permanent Members of Hockey India (with voting rights) but with 46 Units the Associate Members are much more than permanent members. It also includes departmental teams like ITBP Central Hockey Team, Defence Accounts Sports Control Board, All India Customs & GST, Air India Sports Promotion Board, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to name a few. Apart from this there are 31 Academies associated with Hockey India which participate in nationals while two Hoc-Key Members take part in the lower age groups.
“It would be a disaster and unkind on budding players if Vidarbha teams are not allowed to participate in nationals. Non affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India. Just like Hockey India has given affiliation to several academies and other departmental units, I request Hockey India to keep VHA’s Associate Membership intact in interest of the game and players,” Sidhra said.
“We have two hockey grounds in the heart of the city. A separate office building is there and construction work for another building which will also have separate changing rooms for boys and girls is under way. All this is being done from MPs fund. We are not getting any grant from Hockey India but still are managing to arrange funds of around 10-15 lakh from our well-wishers. We are totally devoted to promote the game in the region. I hope Hockey India listen to our genuine request,” said Sidhra.
