Dr Suryawanshi, Dr Welukar visit Guj varsity

By Paritosh Pramanik

CONTINUING its study tour, members of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) today visited Gujarat University in Ahmedabad to get the knowledge of indoor sports complex and other facilities there.
Director of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, former director Dr Dhananjay Welukar along with architect Anand Sarda are on a two-day tour of Ahmedabad where they would be collecting details about the indoor sports complex. This is RTMNU delegates’ second visit after they toured Marena-Manipal Indoor Sports Arena, Manipal a few days ago.
RTMNU will be constructing indoor sports complex at its premises in Ravi Nagar with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. The funds will be generated from various sources including CSRs. The study tour is planned so that one of the best sports complexes of the country is constructed in Nagpur.
“At present we are at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. This is our second visit after which a blue print will be prepared by the architect,” said Dr Suryawanshi while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from Ahmedabad.
“The university is spread in 43 acres of land and have excellent sports facilities. We saw the indoor swimming pool which is of international standard. We liked the idea and the planning with which it is constructed. Similarly, the shooting range here is of international standard apart from facilities for badminton and other sports,” added Dr Suryawanshi. “The sports university also has a hostel which can accommodate 2000 students,” Dr Suryawanshi further said.
“We will also be visiting SAI Hostel in Gandhi Nagar and the Swarnim Gujarat Sports University,” informed Dr Suryawanshi.
On Wednesday the delegates will be visiting several private clubs which have multi-storey sports complexes.
“We will get more idea on how we can utilise space for other sports facilities by constructing multi-storey  complex,” he said.
Earlier this year RTMNU had formed a committee headed by former Board of Studies Chairman Babanrao Taywade for indoor sports complex.
The other committee members include Suryawanshi, who is also the secretary of the committee, former mayor Kundatai Vijaykar, Management Council member Vishnu Changde, former India cricketer Prashant Vaidya, Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee Munishwar, Senate Member Adv Manmohan Bajpayee, Dr Welukar, Maharashtra Netball President Vipin Kamdar, former handball player Viral Kamdar and Sanjay Bhende.
The proposed land for indoor sports complex, which is situated at the left side of entrance gate of the Sports Stadium in Ravi Nagar, is sufficient enough to construct the indoor stadium.
“The area is sufficient for our dream project. It is approximately 90 metres in length and 40 metres in width. There is another 60 metres of unused land at the back side,” Dr Suryawanshi had told this newspaper.
The proposed project would cost around Rs 35-40 crore. RTMNU will contribute around Rs 5-8 crore.  RTMNU will try to generate money through CSR. It can also get grant from Khelo India Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme.
“This academic session State Government has helped Aurangabad University. Next year we will submit our proposal,” Dr Suryawanshi had informed.

Vora, Kashmiri unanimous choice for post of president, secretary

NDFA to get new treasurer in Mohd Khalid
 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE 18-member executive committee of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) will once again be elected unanimously with incumbent president Haresh Vora and secretary Iqbal Kashmiri facing no opposition for their respective posts.
Similarly, the four vice-presidents will also continue to hold their posts for a term of two years.
The election of the association is scheduled for August 29 at Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar, North Nagpur.
The only change at the top will be election of Mohd Khalid Ansari as the new treasurer. As reported by ‘The Hitavada’ on August 14, Khalid is all set to replace Karamchand Chaurasia.
Chaurasia is expected to be elevated to the Advisory Committee where a post is vacant since the demise of Arif Khan.
A total of 22 contestants filed their nominations for different posts and after scrutiny all were accepted by election officer AB Khan.
MLA Sameer Meghe, Kamil Ansari, Abdul Latif and Atmaram Pande will continue to be the vice-presidents of the soccer governing body of district.
President Haresh Vora, who is holding the post since 2015 after former Mayor Atal Bahadur Singh stepped down, is also Vice-President of Western India Football Association (WIFA), the soccer governing body of Maharashtra while Kashmiri
is the executive committee
member.
Those filing their nomination for executive committee members’ post include Stanley Gregory, Abid Khan, Dr Kamal Ahmed Ansari, Sanjay Kathale, Vishal Naidu, Mehfooz Akhtar, Mohd Mubin, Papan Pramanik, Bernard D’Souza, Satyanarayan Jerpot, Hemant Sahani, Ankush Bhadange, Adnan Ali, Biswajeet Dey and Eugene Norbert.
Out of 15 contestants, who filed their nominations, four are expected to withdraw from the executive committee’s post.
The last date of withdrawal is August 25.

Construction work of synthetic track begins at RTMNU Sports Complex

 

Principal Correspondent

THINGS have started taking shape at the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Sports Complex in Ravi Nagar.
The work of laying of synthetic track has started with the construction company digging boundaries of cinder track.
A JCB excavated earth from the boundary of football ground for the drainage line.
With a good base under the cinder track, not much work would be needed on that area.
The track is expected to be completed in nine months.
The ground breaking ceremony was held recently at the hands of Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari. The work of making the track has been entrusted to Public Works Department and RTMNU is spending around Rs 11 lakh on the entire project.
The contractor for the track is Sports Facilities Company Limited, Mumbai.
The track is being constructed as per the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) norms. It will have eight lanes along with steeple chase, jumping pits for long and triple jumps.
The entire track would be fenced and will have two gates apart form one main entrance. The track will also have a grass surface football ground in the middle.
According to the proposed plan. cages will be in place for hammer throw and discus throw and flood lights will ensure that competitions can be held in night.
Recently, a few changes were made in the plan. RTMNU had decided to construct separate lane and pit for long jump and triple jump.
“This was not in the earlier plan. But now we have decided to lay separate lane for long jump and triple jump. This will be done near the hostel building gallery. We have space on that side and we decided not to disturb the 8-lane track and create a separate one for jumping events,” Dr Suryawanshi had informed ‘The Hitavada’.
Similarly, the university dropped the plan of converting the football ground into artificial turf.
“It was decided to replace the lawn turf of football field into artificial turf. But that plan has been changed. We will continue with the same lawn turf but a fresh one would be laid. Special attention will be given to the work so that ground mud would not make way to the synthetic track. We may go for block tiles on the side of the track. The drainage system will also be renovated and slope from all sides of the playfield will be maintained,” Dr Suryawanshi had said.
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My next target is 2024 Paris Olympics, says bronze medal winner Manjiri

 

 By Paritosh Pramanik

THE senior archers of country might have fallen short of winning a medal at the just-concluded Tokyo Olympics in Japan but the cadets of India made a mark at the Poland World Archery Championship where they produced medal winning performances. The archers achieved their best ever show in the Youth World Championships by grabbing three gold, one silver and a bronze medal in the compound section.
In absence of Asian heavyweights Korea and China, Indian archers ruled the roost in the Under-18 (cadet) section, where the men’s, women’s and mixed pair teams emerged world
champions.
Vidarbha’s Manjiri Alone, a resident of Nandgaon, Khandeshwar 40 kms from Amravati district, won two bronze medals to add to India’s tally. Manjiri won bronze in individual as well as team championship. Back in the country after her superb performance in her maiden international competition, Manjiri was happy with her showing.
“I am really happy with my performance at Poland. This was my first international event and I proved my credential,” said Manjiri while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday.
The Standard IX Eklavya Gurukul School, Amravati student said she is now targeting 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“The next aim is to perform well in Asian Games and the ultimate target is Paris Olympics. I will be starting training for the same immediately. There is no time to rest on the laurels. Paris Games are just three years away,” said Manjiri, who got inspiration of taking up archery from her elder sister Samiksha, herself a national level archer.
In the individual bronze medal match, Manjiri defeated her opponent from The Netherlands to claim the third spot.
“There was no pressure on me. I did nothing new. What I practised at Sonipat (during India camp) I did same during the competition,” she said.
“I want to take my cadet performance to the next level and want to cement my place in the senior India team,” wished Manjiri, whose mother Ranjna is a home maker and father Manoj is clerk at Waman Vidyalaya in Amravati.
The performance would have been much better had Manjiri, or for that mater the entire team, got better equipment. “We practise for eight hours daily. The only thing is we expect much better equipment for practise. We are getting the equipment from Gurukul but we also have to spend from our pocket. We have a lot of problems in getting best quality equipment. They are costly too which everybody can’t afford. Our opponents participate with very high quality equipment. I think if we also get those equipment we can also shoot gold,” replied Manjiri.
There was financial windfall on Tokyo medal winners but the junior sportspersons hardly get anything for their heroics. Manjiri feels that financial help should also be given to other winners in other competitions as well.
“Yes, I think, if we get financial help for at least purchasing best quality equipment, we could perform much better. Archery is a costly sport and it needs a lot of money to play this sport. Only my parents know how they manage,” said Manjiri who doesn’t have any sport scholarship from Khelo India or TOPS.
Manjiri knows that her path upwards would be tougher but she is determined to give her best. “I know it will be very tough from here on but I will give my best to get selected in the Indian team,” Manjiri confidently said. The equipment with which she is now playing is not of the best quality and Manjiri also knows that it would be very difficult for her to make the next grade. For that she hopes that corporate and others come forward to help her sport survive. “I expect Government to help us financially so that we get better equipment. Even corporate houses can help us,” prayed Manjiri.

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

 Coach begs for financial help

By Paritosh Pramanik

ARCHERS from Eklavya Academy, Amravati can bring several medals for India at international competitions including Olympics but for that Government must come forward and provide them with better equipment, said Eklavya Academy coach Amar Jadhav who was in Nagpur to receive India cadet medal winning archer Manjiri Alone. Jadhav rued lack of support from Federation as well as from Government in running the sport.
“We hardly get any support from the federation. Our players can easily match Deepika Kumar and Komalika Bari. Our archers hit same scores which these India internationals manage at the top level,” said Jadhav.
“At our academy we have at least 40-50 archers out of which at least 5-6 archers have the calibre to play at highest level. All are coached by Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Sadanand Jadhav.
Lack of financial help forced Jadhav to shell out money from his own pocket to purchase arrows for Manjiri.
“She had to leave for the competition but her arrows were dented and were of no use. I gave Rs 25,000 for new arrows,” claimed Jadhav. “Manjiri’s father had to shell out Rs 10,000 for her visa,” he added.
A player practises for eight hours daily. At least three dozens of arrows are required in a year for practise and they are costly too (Rs 35,000 per dozen). The arrows are of no use after three months as they become shapeless,” said Jadhav.
“If government or federation come forward and help us with equipment, our archers can bring laurels and the sport will grow exponentially,” concluded Jadhav.

 

Proposed hockey astro turf ground converted into golf course

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE bronze-medal winning performance by Indian men’s hockey team at Tokyo Olympics has reignited love for the game in entire country.
India’s third-place finish at the Summer Olympics has forced countrymen hope that the condition of game will get better, starting from the grassroot.
Though the condition and popularity of the game is improving in northern and north-eastern part of India, the situation in central part of the country is getting worse with each passing day.
In Nagpur, there are two hockey grounds (Vidarbha Hockey Association on Amravati Road and Vidarbha Women’s Hockey Association in Sadar). Pathetic condition of both the grounds is there to be seen for all. Leave aside astro turf, both grounds are unplayable on mud surface (chat) or lawn grass.
If that not enough, the proposed hockey astro turf at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur has been ‘converted’ into a golf course.
In January, 2020, the State Government had proposed an ambitious Divisional Sports Complex expansion plan worth Rs 123 crore. The plan included construction of international standard swimming pool, shooting range, hockey astro turf, a multipurpose sports indoor hall, an athletics track for practice apart from renovation of the present indoor hall.
The hockey astro turf and shooting range were proposed at the far corner of the premises, behind the athletic synthetic track gallery.
But a few months back, authorities inaugurated a golf course on the proposed astro turf land.
It was also announced that the golf course would be given to general public for a monthly fee while it will be on discounted rates for the school students.
The ‘encroachment’ on hockey astro turf land has pained the game lovers and also budding players who practice inside the complex. Players, who did not wish to be named, said that if the ground is allotted for hockey then why it is being used for golf.  “This shows their love and interest, or lack of it, towards hockey,” they alleged.
“They have spent around Rs four lakh on construction of golf course. What was the reason to spend such a huge amount when it is a temporary arrangement,” the players asked.
According to sources there would be change in the proposed plan. “There are minor changes in the proposed plan. The old plan was only for reference purpose. There might be addition of some more facilities and change in the location of specific sports grounds,” the sources said.
When contacted Shekhar Patil, the newly-appointed Deputy Director of Sports, Nagpur Division, said he will look into the matter. “I have assumed charge just a month back. I will have to go through the actual plan and only then I can comment on the issue. I am sure that all the facilities in the proposed plan will be in place and no game would be neglected,” Patil told ‘The Hitavada’.
A meeting regarding the proposed plan is likely to be held by month end.

NDFA election on August 29

  

Vora, Kashmiri likely to continue as President, Secretary for another term

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) will be holding its election on August 29. In all probability, the present executive committee will continue with the only change being expected for the treasurer’s post. The new body will be elected for the period of two years.
For the first time, the election will be held at Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar, NDFA’s new office. The election notice and forms will be issued on August 14 while the last date of accepting the forms is August 21.
The scrutiny of forms will be done on August 23 while the last date of withdrawal of forms is August 25.  The final list of contestant will be displayed on August 26 and the election, if needed, will be held on August 29. AB Khan has been appointed as the Election Officer during the executive committee meeting held recently.
As it has been the trend, the new body is expected to be elected unopposed.
Incumbent President Haresh Vora, who is holding the post since 2015 after former Mayor Atal Bahadur Singh stepped down, will ‘fight’ for the top post for another term. Similarly, Iqbal Kashmiri is likely to contest for the secretary’s  post.
Vora is also Vice-President of Western India Football Association (WIFA), the soccer governing body of Mahrashtra while Kashmiri is executive committee member.
If sources are to be believed, there might be a change in treasurer’s post which is at present occupied by Karamchand Chaurasia. Mohd Khalid of Qidwai Club is likely to contest for the post of treasurer while Chaurasia, in all likelyhood, will be promoted as the advisory committee member. After the death of life member Arif Khan, the post in the Advisory Committee is vacant.
The association is likely to continue with the four vice-presidents in MLA Sameer Meghe, Atmaram Pande, Kamil Ansari and Abdul Latif. There might be a few changes in the present executive committee members’ post, if the Vora-led body feels so.
The present members are Hemant Sahani, Abid Khan, Mohd Mobin, Papan Pramanik, Vishal Naidu, Eugene Norbert, Dr Kameel Ansari, Mohd Khalid, Sanjay Kathale, Stanley Gregory and Satyanarayan Jerpot.

Election programme

Issue of notification: Aug 14
Sale of nomination forms: Aug 16
Last date of accepting forms: Aug 21
Scrutiny of forms: Aug 23
Withdrawal of forms: Aug 25
Final list of candidates: Aug 26
Election, if needed, and decleration
of results: Aug 29
Venue: Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar
Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar
Election Officer: AB Khan

Welcome to solar powered divisional sports complex

 

 

THE COMPLEX MAY also TURN INTO POWER GENERATION UNIT

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN NEXT few days the Divisional Sports Complex situated at Mankapur would run on solar power.
The installation of solar panels and other work of electrification is nearing completion and it can be operational once the meters are connected.
Last year, Maharashtra Sports Minister Sunil Kedar had ordered to convert the conventional energy-run sports complex premises to solar energy.
The solar panel will generate electricity of 160 KVA which is sufficient to run the administrative building and the street lights inside the sports complex.
The installation work is being done through Maharshtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) with an estimated cost of Rs
80 lakh.
Though it won’t generate energy enough for any major competition which will be hosted inside the indoor hall, the solar energy will definitely reduce the financial burden incurred by electricity generated from conventional energy.
If sources are to be believed the monthly electricity bill of sports complex comes around Rs three lakh.
“This can be reduced and can save around Rs 36 lakh per year,” said sources.
“The solar panels are erected on the hostel building and at other places inside the premises. It has happened only because of Maharashtra Sports Minister Sunil Kedar. He has taken special interest in this project and wanted the work to be done at the earliest,” sources added.
Whatever electricity will be generated will be used for sports complex purpose. The excess electricity, if generated will be transferred to the State electricity distribution department (grid). In this way the complex can become electricity generation unit also.
‘Last year, ‘The Hitavada’ has published news of Minister Kedar taking the decision to convert the stadium into solar powered. It is heartening to see that the work is nearing completion in span of just 14 months.
In another positive development, the Divisional Sports Complex has acquired a two-acre land which was with the health department in the same premises. The same land can now be utilised for other sports
activities.
Similarly, a 24.71 HA land was reserved for theatre, auditorium and roads of 18m and 24m. These are also transferred to the Divisional Sports Complex, it has been learnt.
‘The Hitavada’ tried to contact Kedar but calls to him went unanswered.

No holds barred: MMA arrives in city

 

City trio ventures into ‘Xtreme Fight Club’

By Paritosh Pramanik

COLOURFULLY-LIT octagon shaped arena caged with thick chain fencing, fighters going for ‘blood’ of opponents, spectators rooting for their favourite fighter... it is a usual scene in the United States where Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an extremely popular sport. Now, experience all the thrill right here in Nagpur. The MMA has arrived in style!
Mixed Martial Art, which is growing at a steady pace in the country, has found a place in Nagpur too. Two Nagpur businessmen and a MMA professional have joined hands to form ‘Xtreme Akhaada’, which aims at promoting the sport at national level while giving players a chance to show their skills and potential.
‘Xtreme Akhaada’ is started by businessmen Rohit Buty, Vishesh Agarwal and Martial Arts Professional Deepak Udair. These three young and energetic men decided to deliver some real entertainment to the city and spread its wings in the country.
‘Xtreme Akhaada’ kick-started its activities recently with the ‘WAR - Warriors and Ragers.’ The first-ever event was a grand success as it saw MMA players from various cities battle it out for top honours.
Young businessman Rohit Buty is the brain behind MMA coming to Nagpur. “Since I started practising martial art, it was my dream to bring MMA to Nagpur. We started planning some six months back sometime in January,” Buty told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Every fight raised the bar for the event as well as the players. The event was well organised with all protocols in place and was also very successful,” Buty added.
Buty wants to take MMA to all parts of the country. “India is still unexposed to the world of Mixed Martial Arts and we have come to realise the massive untapped potential that our fighters have to offer. We plan to take WAR - Warriors and Ragers to every city in India before we conquer the globe. These will be the premier MMA events across India in the coming years,” Buty said.
“Our next step is to take WAR to Raipur, Pune, Nashik, Mumbai and Delhi. We already have a line-up prepared for these cities and are just waiting for the pandemic situation to stabilise before we go full throttle. By this yearend we intend to start a Fight League in which we shall be creating inter-city teams and auctioning the best players in the country to compete on a platform never seen before,” Buty elaborated on their future plans.
Partner Vishesh Agarwal said that the MMA was not only about fights. It was a platform which would give the enthusiasts entertainment of five hours.
“Don’t think about our fight nights as just MMA. Think about it as a 4-5 hour entertainment event which you enjoy with your friends and family clubbed with multiple high adrenaline acts and programme with the main focus – LIVE MMA Fights. We don’t want unnecessary spectators but what we want is limited, passionate crowd so that we can get our spectators as close to the action as possible. This is a rich man’s spectator sport and our events cater to such a crowd with full hospitality,” Agarwal said.
‘Xtreme Akhaada’ also has a legal team in place to make it more transparent.
“Courtesy our legal team, all our events were conducted smoothly. Our company is well protected. Unlike various other MMA events across India, our business model is a bit different and our investors are very happy with our deliverables,” said Agarwal.
“We promise you that this year’s Diwali is going to be Xtreme,” added Agarwal.
Udair, the professional martial art karateka who has dedicated his life to Martial Arts and is a Black Belt in Taekwon-do (3rd Dan, International Coach and Referee) said, “I have had training in MMA for two years in Japan and I am currently imparting coaching to over 100 students the art of MMA. It has always been my dream to give an opportunity and platform to Indian fighters to compete, as MMA is still underappreciated and undervalued in India,” Udair said.
“My dream is to train an Indian to become the world champion and through our company and WAR we intend to realise this dream. So far we have inventory of more than 200 fighters who wish to compete in our events and the numbers keep growing. We ensure that all the competing fighters are medically vetted, insured and certified to compete as well as protected by our team of competent doctors to ensure that all participants are safe and not harmed in any way,” explained Udair.
 

RTMNU delegates in Manipal to study Indoor Sports Arena

TO CONSTRUCT INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX ON SAME LINES IN NAGPUR

By Paritosh Pramanik

THINGS seem to be moving in the right direction and at a steady pace for sports at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU).
After the bhoomipujan for work of Synthetic Track at the RTMNU Sports Complex in Ravi Nagar early this month, the Department of Sports and Physical Education has decided to speed up the work of indoor complex too.
RTMNU will be constructing indoor sports complex at its premises with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore which will be generated from various sources including CSRs.
To make it one of the best sports complexes of the country, an RTMNU delegation is in Manipal to study the Marena-Manipal Indoor Sports Arena which is India’s biggest and best indoor sports arena.
Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU, Senate Member and Arjuna and Dronacharya Award winner Vijay Munishwar and architect Anand Sarda have reached Manipal University and have completed the first session of their study.
“We have completed our first session. The university is beautiful and excellent. It has one layer of sports facilities above the ground level (G+1) while five are below (G-5),” informed Dr Suryawanshi while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from the venue.
“The G-5 level includes a huge gymnasium which can accommodate around 100 fitness enthusiast at one go. The gym is surrounded by a 200 metres synthetic jogging track, that too inside the indoor hall,” informed Dr Suryawanshi.
“Apart from these, there are squash courts, five badminton courts, basketball courts with spectators gallery, a five-a-side football arena, bowling machine for cricket practise. All these are at the G-5 area,” Dr Suryawanshi added.
“We loved the concept as it helps in utilising space in best possible way with maximum usage,” he added.
The G+1 level has rooms for the B.Sc and M.Sc (Sports Science) classes apart from a 25-metre swimming pool.
“We want to construct our indoor hall on these lines, though not in same pattern. We want to see all the other the facilities and the infrastructures so that we get an idea for our indoor hall. Tomorrow we will look at the outdoor facilities,” said Dr Suryawanshi.
In January, RTMNU formed a committee headed by former Board of Studies Chairman Babanrao Taywade for indoor sports complex.
The other committee members include Director of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU Dr Suryawanshi, who is also the secretary of the committee, former mayor Kundatai Vijaykar, Management Council member Vishnu Changde, former India cricketer Prashant Vaidya, Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee Munishwar, Senate Member Adv Manmohan Bajpayee, former Director of Physical Education and Sports Dr Dhananjay Welukar, Maharashtra Netball President Vipin Kamdar, former handball player Viral Kamdar and Sanjay Bhende.
The indoor complex, which is situated at the left side of entrance gate of the Sports Stadium in Ravi Nagar, is sufficient enough to construct India’s best indoor stadium.
“The area is sufficient for our dream project. It is approximately 90 metres in length and 40 metres in width. There is another 60 metres of unused land at the back side,” Dr Suryawanshi had told this newspaper.
“The proposed project would cost around Rs 35-40 crore. RTMNU will contribute around Rs 5-8 crore. We will try to generate money through CSR. We can also get grant from Khelo India Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme.
“Even the State Government can help us. This academic session they have helped Aurangabad University. Next year we will submit our proposal,” Dr Suryawanshi had informed.
“During the Senate meeting Dr Smita Wanjari informed that RTMNU, which would be celebrating its centenary year in 2023-24 we (RTMNU) will be getting Rs 50 crore from the State Government. We can get some funds from this money for sports complex,” hoped former international athlete Dr Suryawanshi.

NDFA ready for kick-off: Vora

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE football season of Nagpur would be starting in a couple of weeks. The soccer governing body of district—Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has started preparation for the delayed season which has been stopped since February after fresh waves of COVID-19.
The JSW Senior Division league, which was halted abruptly with matches of only one group completed, will be completed first, once the game kicks-off.
“We are planning to restart competition in next 15 days. The ground will be ready in a couple of weeks,” NDFA President Haresh Vora told ‘The Hitavada.’
NDFA will be conducting matches at its Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Football Stadium situated in Suyog Nagar, North Nagpur.
“We were waiting for some more relaxation in timing from the local authorities. Now, as the timing has been extended, we can hold the matches,”said Vora.
“We don’t have floodlights hence we can’t hold matches after 6 pm. In earlier restriction in timing, it was not possible for us to conduct matches as it takes at least three to four hours to complete a match,” Vora explained.
Matches of Group A of Senior Division have been completed while a few matches of Group B are remaining.
Matches of Group C and Group D are yet to start.
“The transfer process and affiliation of Elite Division clubs are going on. Once it is completed we can chalk out the fixtures and date for the top division league,” Vora said.
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On Indian hockey’s proudest day, VHA continues to remain in a shambles

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT’S painful, very painful.
When Indian hockey teams rewrote history by booking semi-final spots at Tokyo Olympics, here in Nagpur the game continues to tread towards a slow death. The Vidarbha Hockey Assocaition (VHA) is in pathetic condition both on and off the field.
Since the seven-decade old association got disaffiliated by Hockey India citing One State One Unit rule, the game has received a big jolt in Vidarbha. If that was not enough, the infighting amongst the executive committee forced the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court to appoint an administrator to look into the matter “until the matter is solved.”
To made matter worse, the caretakers of the game (life members and other so-called closely associated with the game) are paying least attention towards upkeep of the field. A look a the hockey ground, off Amravati Road, reveals the sorry state of affairs.
The ground, which once used to be lush green, well-trimmed with Bermuda grass, is now full of knee-height weeds. There is hardly any space to play hockey, leave aside warming up or stretching exercises. The court-appointed Administrator has a very easy excuse of COVID-19 pandemic and lack of funds, but it is disheartening to see the members, most of whom are in their 70s, turning a blind eye towards the sport which has given them name and fame.
Recently a beautiful mural of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand has been constructed beside the entrance gate by the NMC funds. But that looks only cosmetic development.
Olympian Ashok Kumar, son of Dhyanchand will, in all probability, inaugurate the mural. But what will shock him will be the condition of ground.
A glance at the ground shows the real picture. The goalposts are enveloped with thick, tall grass and are broken. There is hardly any space to walk, leave aside dribble the ball.
The newly-constructed hall is yet to be inaugurated and is being covered in dust.
The ground can be developed into one of the best stadiums in the country, given its central location but for that it will be imperative for the ‘fathers of the game’ to sit together and think in a constructive way.
However, an opportunist faction, which is associated with VHA but has no powers after court’s order, immediately jumped on the opportunity and revived their Nagpur District Hockey Association and applied for district affiliation with Hockey Maharashtra leaving VHA to die its own death.
The infighting among the members has ruined careers of hundreds of players in last few decades and if such bickering continues, the day is not far when the ground would be swallowed up by those with vested intention and Nagpur would be unable to produce even a state level player.

Olympian Ashok Kumar ‘mesmerised’ by Dhyanchand’s mural at VHA

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

OLYMPIAN Ashok Kumar, son of legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand, was mesmerised with the mural that has been put up beside the gate of Vidarbha Hockey Association ground, Amravati Road.
Corporator Kishor Jichkar was instrumental in constructing the mural beside VHA gate from his corporator’s funds.
Speaking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone Ashok Kumar said he is very happy that his father’s mural is being erected at Nagpur.
“I have never imagined that a mural of hockey legend Dhyanchand would come up at a place like Nagpur.
“But yes, I would admit that Nagpurians have always showered their love upon us—on Dhyanchand as well as on me. I remember when I was invited to inaugurate a square named after Dhyanchand near hockey ground,” said Ashok Kumar.
“It (the mural) looks so real. I am speechless. I can’t express my gratitude towards Nagpurians and hockey lover Kishor Jichkarji,” Ashok Kumar expressed his views.
The 1972 Munich Olympian said he will ask people at his native Jhansi to construct such murals which looks beautiful, full of life.
“Actually this is a very good idea. I want to construct it at Jhansi as well,” said Ashok Kumar, the 1975 hockey World Cup winner. Ashok Kumar recalled his golden days when he played a few games at Nagpur.
“I have very fond memories of Nagpur. I have played many tournaments here. Not only myself, even Dadda (Dhyanchand) had played and visited Nagpur on many occasions. He too had memories of this beautiful city,” recalled Ashok Kumar.
The three-time world cupper wished to come to Nagpur during the inauguration of the mural.
“I would definitely love to come to Nagpur for the inauguration, time permits.
“It would be great to be part of this historic moment,” said Ashok Kumar who played World Cups in 1971 (Barcelona), 1973 (Amsterdam) and 1975 (Kuala Lumpur).
Speaking further Ashok Kumar said Nagpur has a rich history of hockey and hoped that the game lovers of the region take inspiration from the mural.
“I am well aware of the hockey history of Nagpur. The mural will further inspire kids to take up hockey and even those associated with the game at present to take it to new heights,” said the hockey great who has played three Asian Games winning silver on all the occasions.