Alfiya is Asian woman heavyweight champ

Wins gold in first round itself in Jordan

Becomes Maharashtra’s first woman boxer to win yellow metal 

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE bout lasted just over two minutes. The National Anthem was played for one last time in Amman, Jordan and Alfiya Akram Khan Pathan proudly stood on the podium with the gold dangling around her neck as she basked in glory.

The gold was shining bright, Alfiya’s face was much brighter.

Nagpur girl Alfiya, the fast rising Indian woman boxer, punched her opponent to submission as she clinched the 81+kgs weight category gold at the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Champions at Amman in Jordan on Friday.

Alfiya crushed hosts Jordanians’ dream as she outpunched her rival Islam Husaili in the first round itself by Referee Stopped Contest 

(RSC) and in the process won her first major senior international gold.

Alfiya, in the process, also created history by becoming the first woman boxer from Maharashtra to win gold in Asian Championship.

Alfiya, daughter of Assistant Sub-Inspector, Police Headquarters Akram Pathan, started on an aggressive note. While she gauged her opponent’s moves in the semi-finals, in the gold medal match, the Maharashtra boxer was in a combative mode.

She threw powerful left, right punches on the spot of her opponent which forced referee to briefly stop the bout 

(Contd on page 2)

Alfiya ensures India a silver

‘Was confident of defeating Kazakh boxer, again’

By Paritosh Pramanik

SHE had defeated Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhastan on her senior debut earlier this year to clinch the gold medal at the Elorda Cup, Kazakhstan in July 2022.

Indian boxer Alfiya Pathan continued in same vein to beat the same rival again within four months as she stormed into the final of the ongoing ASBC Asian Women’s & Men’s Elite Boxing Championships being played at Amman in Jordan, on Wednesday. She will take on Jordan’s Islam Husaili in the final.

The fast rising Indian boxer had made her senior debut in style with a stunning 5-0 win over 2016 world champion Lazzat. Alfiya was again at her brutal best as she once again dominated her 81+kg semi-final bout to secure a spot in the final with a 5-0 unanimous verdict.

Nagpur’s Alfiya thus confirmed at least a silver medal for India.

“Yes, I was confident enough that I will defeat her again,” Alfiya told ‘The Hitavada’ from Amman in Jordan after her bout.

Known for being as one of the most fierce boxers, Alfiya, playing from the red corner, took little time to get over her much-heavier looking rival and landed punches at the right spot. She took the first round 50-45 despite fumbling initially, but was on her feat immediately.

The second round, too, was completely dominated by the Nagpur girl sweeping it 50-45 (100-90).

In the third round, the left-handed pugilist, used her experience and consumed time instead of going all over her Kazakhastan rival.

Kazakhastan’s Lazzat did tried hard to gain upperhand in the final few seconds, but Alfiya was too clever to avoid her opponents’ punches.

Alfiya, who is trained by NIS coach Ganesh Purohit at Nagpur’s Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur, said that the planning was same as last time but she could play the way she wanted. “This time, the plan was same but it was like (I wanted) to show my game more but it did not go like I was thinking. But I am pretty sure that in my final I will do what I want to,” she assured.

Alfiya will take on Lina Jaber of Jordan in final and said she would focus on things she could not do in her earlier bout.

“I will be going to play against the Jordan’s (Lina) and will be more focusing on the things that I was unable to do in the ring in my semis bout,” she said.

In Latif Bhai’s death, city football loses a benevolent fan

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 12 

THE passing away of Abdul Latif Abdul Hameed — fondly known as Latif Bhai ‘Fruitwale’ — has created a huge void in football circles of the city.

Latif Bhai, Vice-President of Nagpur District Football Association and President of Nagpur Blues Football Club, passed away on Monday night following a cardiac arrest, according to his close associates.

He was 67 year old.

Latif Bhai was dear to all. Always ready to help, going out of his way for the betterment of footballers, Latif Bhai was a father figure in city’s football circles.

Latif Bhai was a non-political, social person. He had thousands of friends, from all religions and caste. He always wanted to add more to his treasure and loved spending time with his ‘brothers’.

On the fateful Monday night, Latif Bhai, a resident of Teacher’s Colony, Jaffar Nagar, went out to meet his friends on his two-wheeler near Gittikhadan Police Station. He was enjoying his time with them when he suddenly collapsed. He was immediately rushed to hospital. However, destiny had other plans. He could not be revived.

Latif Bhai and a few of his friends had started Nagpur Blues way back in 1985 in Ajni. The club started growing in the NDFA-organised leagues. His more than two decades association with NDFA started in the year 1997. He worked in NDFA in various capacities. He was elected as committee member in the late Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh led football governing body of the district. He was the serving Vice-President of the association.

Latif Bhai was instrumental in shaping careers of many a footballer, helping them get government jobs. 

Many of his wards are now placed in Central Railways, South East Central Railways, Police Department and Accountant General Office through sports quotas. For them he was like ‘Bheeshmapitamah’.

From encouraging budding footballers to take up the sport to providing them kits free of cost, Latif Bhai never disappointed anybody.

Not only football players, a benevolent Latif Bhai was there for all. 

He was also a well-wisher of Ganpati Sena Ustav Mandal Motibagh and took active part in the celebrations.

Latif Bhai had a special bonding with sports journalists of the city. Whenever SJAN approached him, Latif Bhai was ready with basketfull of fruits. 

His last association with SJAN was during the walkathon organised in the month of July.

Despite not in the best of his health, Latif Bhai made it sure to visit the venue Dr Ambedkar College ground, Deekshabhoomi amid heavy rains in the morning. He happily distributed fruits to the participating journalists and wished them luck.

He distributed love and joy and nobody would leave empty handed from Latif Bhai’s doors.

His passing away has left the city’s sports circle empty.

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

NDFA pays tributes to Latif Bhai

NAGPUR District Football Association mourned the untimely demise of Abdul Latif who passed away on Monday night.

A condolence meeting was chaired by the NDFA President Haresh Vora at NDFA ground on Tuesday. A two minute’s silence was observed followed by a prayer for the departed soul. In the condolence message, NDFA extended deepest sympathy and shared the grief of the bereaved family. 

The meeting was attended by NDFA Secretary Iqbal Kashmiri, Atmaram Pande, Khalid Ansari, Kamil Ansari, Mohd Mubin, Abid Khan, Sanjay Kathale, Stanley Gregory, Hemant Sahani, Satnarayan Jerpot, Mehfooz Akhtar, Dr Kamal, AB, Khan, Papan Pramanik, Bernard D’Souza, Adnan Ali, Ankush Bhadange, Vishal Naidu and others.

Tirkey promises to take Indian hockey at new heights

 By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Sept 26

THE election of former India captain Dilip Tirkey as the President of Hockey India has been the best possible thing to happen in the recent past for the game in India. Tirkey, a three-time Olympian, has become the first international player to head Indian hockey administration in the last 97 years of history in the country. The election to the president’s post as an unopposed candidate proves Tirkey’s popularity in the country. The two other contestants, Uttar Pradesh’s Rakesh Katiyal and Jharkhand’s Bhola Nath Singh, withdrew their nominations respecting Tirkey’s stature and trusting in his abilities.

However, Tirkey has a tough task at hand. He has promised to take Indian hockey at new heights. Another area he will have to give stress is at the grassroot level. India has a huge pool of budding players at sub-junior and junior levels. It will be up to his team to identify the right players and channel them in the right direction. He will have to put a system in place where the right player is groomed at the right time and in correct manner.

Tirkey is very much aware where the talent comes from in our country. It is the hinterlands where he will have to concentrate without neglecting the urban areas. He himself coming from a remote place like Sundergarh in Odisha, 44-year-old Tirkey might be well aware of tapping the talent from such areas all over the country, not only from Odisha or Jharkhand. It will be his team’s task to make sure that the game is developed in other regions of the country as well. Reviving old tournaments that had produced India material will also be in Tirkey’s mind. He will have to sit with all the stakeholders and prepare a blueprint to take the game to new heights.

Tirkey would be the fourth Indian sportsperson, who have represented the country, to head a sports federation. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is heading the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI). Former Indian goalkeeper Kalyan Choube was recently elected as the President of Indian Football Federation (AIFF). Another ex-Indian athlete Adille Sumariwalla is the 

chief of Indian Athletics Federation (AFI).

The calm, down to earth and disciplined character he is, Tirkey had been the flag-bearer of Indian hockey for more than a decade. He was the original wall of Indian defence helping Team India win many titles. After his retirement from the game in 2010, Tirkey joined politics (he is former BJD MP from Odisha) and sports administration (Chief of Odisha Hockey Federation) in Odisha. He was instrumental in promoting and popularising the game in Odisha further along with Chief Minister Navin Patnaik. The two joined hands and put Odisha, especially Bhubaneshwar, on the world hockey map by organising World Cup, FIH Pro Leagues and other tournaments. Not only organising tournaments in the best possible way, Odisha has been developed as the ‘Sports State’ with CM Patnaik giving 

thrust on building stadiums and providing infrastructure all over Odisha.

Tirkey rightly credited CM Patnaik for his election to President’s post. He recently had said that it is because of CM Patnaik’s love for sports that Odisha is able to 

organise such international level events. That also helped Tirkey in winning the hearts of all the other contestants who were fray.

The immediate biggest assignment for Tirkey will be the FIH World Cup in 2023 in Odisha. It will be the first big test of his administrative skills. Tirkey is not new to such big events but being at the helm and guiding all his men would test him for the first time. How successful he will be, will chart the way ahead for Indian hockey which has in the recent past seen an upward journey since the bronze medal by the men’s at Tokyo Olympics and a creditable fourth place finish by the women’s team. It is time for the former India defender to capitalise on that success.

He pedalled 20 kms in Sri Lanka to train for CWG

Shuttler Abeywickrama narrates ordeal during political, economic crisis in Island nation

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Sept 14, 2022

THE economic crisis followed by political upheaval in Sri Lanka has affected one and all and sports was no different. With protests and sky-rocketing prices of almost all commodities, life had been difficult for the commoners in the Island nation. Travel expenses touched the sky and it was difficult to get petrol, diesel. Serpentine queues were seen at petrol pumps with people waiting for days to get the fuel. Narrating harrowing and troublesome days, Sri Lankan shuttler Dumindu Abeywickrama said it was the toughest phase of his life where he had to pedal 20 kms for his badminton training.

The shuttler, who was part of the Sri Lankan team in the recently concluded Birmingham Commonwealth Games, is in the city for the Maha Metro International Badminton Challenge Nagpur 2022.

Drenched in sweat after winning his men’s singles qualifying round match against India’s Munawar Mohammed 21-16, 21-10, Abeywickrama said it was quite a difficult phase when his country was in turmoil. “Those were very difficult days. Now, things are getting normal but the last few months have been very hard. Before the Commonwealth Games, the Government asked us not to venture out of home and restrict training sessions. It was very difficult for all shuttlers as we had very few days left for the Birmingham Games,” narrated Abeywickrama.

“To top that, my Indonesian coach Jeffer Rosobin, too, returned to his country after the crisis. It was very difficult to train. I practised on my own for several days. He still coaches me but we discuss over phone only,” said Abeywickrama.

“I used to go for training at night. At times I had to pedal all the way to my club for practice as there was a shortage of fuel. The training centre was around 10 kms from my home in Colombo. It used to be a 20 kms ride daily,” added Abeywickrama, who lost to Indian ace Kidambi Srikanth in the prequarter-finals in Birmingham CWG.

Srikanth had defeated Abeywickrama 21-9, 21-12 to make quarters.

This was after Abeywickrama had won his opening round match against Samuel Cassar of Malta 21-12, 22-20.

The 19-year-old Sri Lankan said that there was very little help from his Government and he had to manage his own expenses.

“My father is an accountant and my mother is a lawyer. I have to fund all my expenses and hardly get anything from the Government. My maternal uncle, who is a marine engineer, helped me in getting my shoes and racquet before CWG. Badminton is a very expensive sport...my racquet alone costs Rs 60,000,” lamented Abeywickrama.

The final year commerce student feels that his Government is supporting only cricket and cricketers. “They support only cricket and cricketers. They care little for other sports. If all goes well I will shift to India. My father also wants me to shift to India so that I get ample opportunity in badminton here,” mentioned Abeywickrama who ranked No 2 in Sri Lanka.

On his India sojourn and Nagpur International tournament, Abeywickrama said he will take one match at a time. “I have won my first match. I will be playing my second game in the evening and hope to qualify for the main draw first. I just want to give my best in every match. After this tournament I will be playing at Raipur and then the Infosys Open at Karnataka. I hope to do well in India,” Abeywickrama signed off.

Qureshi’s appointment as Hockey Mah VP challenged

Principal Correspondent

Aug 31, 2022

THE appointment of Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA) Secretary Parvez Qureshi as one of the Vice-Presidents of Hockey Maharashtra has been challenged by Mumbai Hockey Association Secretary Ranvir Singh, terming it as illegal.

The elections to Hockey Maharashtra is due on September 8 and according to reports, the entire body has been elected unopposed.

According to a letter to Returning Officers Bhagwantrao Gaikwad, Retired District Judge and Sharad Madaka, Retired Asstt Charity Commissioner, Hockey Maharashtra, Ranvir Singh objected to the entire election process and claimed to have violated the conditions laid down by Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of India, National Sports Development Code of India and Memorandum of Association, Hockey Maharashtra.

Ranvir asked the returning officers to verify as to in which meeting it was passed to grant affiliation (to NDUHA) with agenda. He also claimed that NDUHA has not completed five years of membership as per article 15 of Memorandum of Association of Hockey Maharashtra as approved by Asst Charity Commissioner, Alibag, hence cannot contest election. Terming the entire election process of Hockey Maharashtra, as illegal, Ranvir Singh asked the returning officers to declare the election illegal. “It is prima facie case of fraud, cheating, suppressing of facts, misleading and misguiding you both the returning officers, and (I) request you both to take cognisance and grant urgent hearing immediately to stop the election process and declare it as invalid, null and void in the interest of natural justice failing to which I shall be constrained to take up such action against you both before the Honourable Bombay High Court at your risk and consequences which please note,” wrote Singh.

Singh submitted detailed objection on election of 15 out of 17 members who are elected unopposed.

 

Nagpur’s Qureshi is Hockey Maharashtra Vice-President

Principal Correspondent

Aug 29, 2022

IN A positive development for hockey in the city, Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association’s (NDUHA) Parvez Qureshi has been elected as one of the vice-presidents of Hockey Maharashtra during the elections held on Sunday.

The 17-member State body, which will be led by Krishna Prakash from Thane, was elected unopposed during a meeting held in Pune. Qureshi is Secretary, NDUHA.

Former secretary Manoj Bhore has been elected as the Senior Vice-President while Manish Anand (Pune) has been elected as the secretary.

It might be termed as positive news for hockey players of Nagpur as they will now be able to take part in the State championships of Hockey Maharashtra.

After Hockey India disaffiliated Vidarbha Hockey Association citing Indian Olympic Association’s One-State-One-Unit diktat, hockey teams from Vidarbha were unable to take part in the national championship. Hockey Maharashtra had barred teams affiliated with VHA from participating in the state level competitions.

But Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association applied for affiliation with Hockey Maharashtra immediately after VHA’s disaffiliation. A few other districts from Vidarbha too joined Hockey Maharashtra. Four districts from Vidarbha found place in the new 17-member Hockey Maharashtra body. Apart from Qureshi (Nagpur), the others include Manisha Akre (Yavatmal), Vaishali Saimon (Bhandara) and Poonam Durge (Gondia).

The new Hockey Maharashtra Body: President: Krishna Prakash (Thane); Senior Vice President: Manoj Bhore (Pune); Vice-Presidents: Parvez Qureshi (Nagpur), Dhananjay Mahadik (Mumbai City), Manisha Akre (Yavatmal), Dr Anita Kolhe (Jalgaon); Secretary: Manish Anand (Pune), Joint Secretaries: Pankaj Bharashakale (Aurangabad), Adrian D’Souza (Mumbai Suburbs), Vaishali Saimon (Bhandara), Surabhi Bhosale (Osmanabad); Treasurer: Kailash Sonar (Raigad); Executive Members: Ajij Sayyed (Nashik), Zarar Qureshi (Solapur), Helen Mary (Mumbai City), Surekha Patil (Kolhapur), Poonam Durge (Gondia).

Crown-hungry Jennifer jumps to 6th spot in World TT Rankings

 

The city paddler move-up seven places in U-15 age category

Wants to reach top 5 by the end of the year

In U-17, she moves up to 31st

In U-19 she jumps 35 places to 55th

n By Paritosh Pramanik

THE ever-improving and title hungry city’s international table tennis player Jennifer Varghese has risen to a career-best sixth spot in the world table tennis rankings which released on Tuesday.

Jennifer, who won Youth Contender title in Agadir in Morocco on Sunday, entered the top 10 of the Under-15 age category for the first time. Jennifer, a student of Centre Point School, Katol Road, has won six titles since she made her international debut at WTT Youth Contender in Tunisia in March.

After her Tunisia heroics where she won her first international title in Under-15 age group and where she ended second best in U-17 category, Jennifer had leaped to the 20th spot in the rankings. 

She then improved her position at the Havirov competition at Czech Republic after winning another U-15 crown in June, moving up to 13th position.

At Morocco where she finished second best, the rising paddler garnered 60 points which took her to sixth position with a total of 1019 points.

It has been an amazing turnaround for Jennifer who, a few months back, never thought of making it to the Indian team.

“A few months back I did not even think that I might get the chance to play in international tournaments. But now reaching in the top ten ranking is like an amazing dream come true. I am extremely happy to be on that ranking and I will strive to play better to reach the top five in Under-15,” the talented paddler told ‘The Hitavada.’

Jennifer is also a proud owner of South Asian Junior and Cadet TT Championship held in Maldives, where she won three gold medals, one each in individual, team and doubles events.

The 14-year-old paddler is doing fairly better in the higher age groups as well. In the Under-17 age category, Jennifer has moved up to 31st in the world. Her Under-17 title at Agadir in Morocco fetched her 350 points.

In the Under-19 age group, Jennifer is fighting well against much older and experienced paddlers from the world and has jumped 35 places to move to 55th in the rankings.

Jennifer is now hoping to be inside top 5 bracket in Under-15 by the end of the year for which she said she would have to work much harder. “At the end of 2022 I hope to be in the top 5 of U-15 and in the top 20 of U-17. In U-19 I want to be in top 40. My next focus would mostly be on trying to better my game and perfecting my strokes for all upcoming matches,” concluded Jennifer.

Jennifer’s performance since March, 2022

Event Date Position

WTT Youth Contender (Tunsia) 21-27 Mar (U-15 Winner, U-17 Runners-up)

South Asia Cadet and Jr TT C’ships (Maldives) 9-11 May (U-15 Singles Winner, Doubles Winner, Team Winner)

WTT Youth Contender Havirov (Czech Rep) 6-12 Jun (U-15 Winner)

WTT Youth Contender Agadir (Morocco) 1-7 Aug (U-17 Winner, U-15 Runners-up)

Laying of synthetic track in mid-October

 

RTMNU adds water harvesting and treatment plant at ground

A tank with a storage capacity of 2 lakh litres to be constructed to store rain water

By Paritosh Pramanik

August 1, 2022

Excessive rains in July tested Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University’s construction work of athletics synthetic track. And it ‘passed’ with flying colours. 

After completion of asphalt work on the track in June, the officials wanted to test the surface and the level of the asphalt before laying off the synthetic track at its Ravi Nagar Sports Complex.

The rains last month helped the officials gauge the work and it was found that the work, till now, is up to the mark.

With the work moving in the right direction, the university is planning to lay the synthetic track in mid-October.

“We tested every aspect. Even 5 ft and 10-ft pits were dug beside the asphalted track to check the water logging beneath the surface. The surface is perfect and now we can move to the next phase. The laying of synthetic track, in all probability will be done in mid-October,” confirmed Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ on Monday.

The 8-lane synthetic track will have a steeplechase pit, one discus-cum-hammer throw cage, a shot put ring, steeplechase water barrier, pole vault boxes, take off boards and other facilities. This will be the second athletics synthetic track of the city after the Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.

A couple of months ago an international measurement observer and athletics technical expert Low Kok Kwong of International Athletics Federation visited the construction site. He was satisfied with the laying work of the synthetic track. In his first visit Kwong had checked the dimensions and tolerance level of the track.

RTMNU had a budgetary allocation of around Rs 10 crore for the synthetic track and the work is being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD). With enough funds saved RTMNU has decided to construct a water harvesting system and water treatment plant at the ground which will help in watering the football field.

“We have saved a lot of money and it was decided to construct a water sump (tank) to save water. The sump will be of 2 lakh litres capacity where water will be stored.

“Another sump of a lesser capacity will be constructed beside the bigger one to store the overflow. This water will be used in watering the football field and also the synthetic track to maintain its heat,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association and a former international runner.

“The same treated water will also be used for the steeplechase pit. After storing the water in these two sumps, if there is more overflowing water then it will be diverted into the well. 

“Hence, there won’t be any shortage of water, I think,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.

NDFA set to lose vote counts in WIFA

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 31, 2022

NAGPUR District Football Association (NDFA), the football governing body of the district, is set to lose a couple of votes in the Western India Football Association (WIFA).

During a meeting of WIFA held on Friday, few district associations demanded equal votes for all districts.

Till now, districts’ votes were counted according to the strength of their clubs. Districts like Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, Kolhapur who have more than 20 affiliated clubs had the advantage of two or three voting rights. Amravati had two votes.

But the executive committee, after discussion, decided to amend the constitution and make it a one-district-one vote. Nagpur used to have three votes in WIFA.

According to NDFA secretary Iqbal Kashmiri, who attended the meeting along with President Haresh Vora, who is Vice-President of WIFA, it was decided to amend the constitution and make it an even field for all associations.

“We have more than 80 registered clubs. According to the present WIFA constitution, districts having more than 20 clubs have the advantage of two votes. Similarly, districts with more than 30 registered clubs had three votes. Till now, NDFA used to have three votes in WIFA,” Kashmiri told ‘The Hitavada’.

WIFA has 34 affiliated districts and some of them were against this ‘impartiality’.

“Several members had submitted a memorandum to change the constitution of WIFA and to make it (votes) equal for all districts. WIFA President Praful Patel also said that everywhere it is the same (number of votes for an association). ‘AIFF too has one vote for one State, same is at FIFA’ Patel informed the meeting,” said Kashmiri.

Patel directed all districts to submit their annual report after which allocation of votes would be decided. 

The general body meeting of WIFA will be held in Kolhapur.

“Those associations submitting their annual report which include tournaments conducted, players registration, press coverage of tournaments, scoresheets, and other events, will get the voting rights. Those failing to submit detailed reports would lose their voting rights,” informed Kashmiri, who is also a WIFA executive committee member.

Proud moment for entire city: Dr Samarth lauds Sanjana’s CWG performance

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 30, 2022

IT WAS a dream debut. Even though the result was not of her or for the country's liking, Nagpur athlete Sanjana Sunil Joshi who made her as well as India’s maiden entry at Birmingham Commonwealth Games in Triathlon did the nation proud by completing the Women's Individual (Sprint Distance) Final on Friday. Sanjana, all of 16, became the first girl from Nagpur to participate in CWG in a Triathlon event.

Sanjana was selected for the Sprint Distance Triathlon, a multi-sport event in which the athlete has to swim 750 metres, then cycle 20 kms and then run for five kms without any break.

Pragnya Mohan from Ahmedabad was the other female team member in the four-member Indian team.

In the final, Sanjana, who is trained by Dr Amit Samarth, ultra cyclist at Miles and Milers Endurance Sports Academy, and is a student of Somalwar Nikalas School, finished 28th in the competition. Though it was her maiden event, Sanjana finished the race with a time of 1:09:00. Her swim time was 11:16 while her T1 (Transition1) was 0:52. She completed her bike (cycling) event in 33:21 and then bettered her T2 timing with 0:27. She completed her event with a run in 23:04.

Sanjana’s coach at Miles N Milers Dr Amit Samarth termed her participation as a very proud moment for the citizens. “It is a very proud moment for all of us at Miles N Milers and in Nagpur. She is just 16 and was competing with Olympic champions... we are really proud of her,” said Dr Samarth.

“This experience (of CWG) will help her in future,” said Dr Samarth.

“From the very first day itself, Sanjana and her sister Snehal showed utmost sincerity towards training,” Dr Samrath recalled.

“From a swimming background, Sanjana started her journey in the world of cycling and running and then later into triathlon. All the hard work which she had put in the lockdown is making the difference today,” said Samarth in praise of Sanjana.

Narrating the hard work Sanjana put up during practice, Samarth said, “Getting up at 3 am for running and finishing the training by 5.15 am before the world wakes up is no joke. Also swimming in the Ambazari lake at 5 am in complete darkness showed how determined Sanjana was during her training.”

Sanjana did not get the desired bike (cycle) for the competition despite seeking help from city politicians and corporate but still she made it to the Indian team.

“She didn’t have a road bike, but Sanjana kept on training on a hybrid bike. Until six months ago she didn’t even have a proper road bike to train. Even during the finals, Sanjana participated with a borrowed bike,” narrated Dr Samarth.

“It is a dream come true for me and for Jeetu Sir and for Miles N Milers Family to see someone from Nagpur and Miles N Milers at the Commonwealth Games,” concluded Dr Samarth. 

n

A hoopster, a black belt holder, and a mother: Rashmi wins powerlifting silver

By Paritosh Pramanik

July 30, 2022

She has played in five ball badminton nationals. She also appeared for Maharashtra basketball team on three occasions and also is a karate black belt holder.

Rashmi Iyer, mother of a 10-year-old boy, has recently won  silver medals in the Pro Powerlifting Championship.

A sportsperson since her childhood, Rashmi believed in doing new things,

religiously. 

That’s why despite changing sports she continued to climb the podium.

The taunts, “you are finished now after having a baby,” only ignited her passion to play the sport more. She decided to take up powerlifting just 18 months back and in the short span of time won medals at district and state levels.

“I’m an athlete from my childhood, I played five nationals in ball badminton, three nationals in basketball. I am also a karate black belt holder,” said Rashmi who recently won two silver medals in the Pro League National Powerlifting Championship at Bengaluru.

She clinched a silver medal in the Under-60 weight category and 34 age open category. She lifted 105 kgs in deadlift and 37.5 kgs in benchpress to finish second among 150 lifters who participated from all over the country.

It is more commendable as Rashmi has been doing powerlifting since last one and a half years only.

“Till now I have won a gold and a  bronze in district at WPC (World Powerlifting Congress), two silver medals in States Championship at WPC-1, a silver in State championship at PI Power India-1, a bronze at Pro League National Powerlifting Championship in March 2021,” she informed proudly.

Rashmi, who has been selected for the International meet in the UK said that the disciplined nature of sport attracted her towards powerlifting. “More importantly, I wanted to change the perception that a woman sportsperson’s career gets over after she delivers a baby. I wanted to prove this notion wrong. I decided to follow my passion towards my sport without ignoring my family and work. My husband, Ganesh and my entire family supports me in my training,” said Rashmi, who’s 10-year-old son Swayam loves playing football.

“To be honest, without family support it’s impossible to achieve goals. My husband takes care of everything whenever I go for training or for competitions. He also come with me daily for my training,” said Rashmi who has her own  fitness club ‘Fitnezz Junkies’ at Pratap Nagar.

Rashmi’s ultimate dream is to represent India and win medals for the country.

“I have won many medals in my life and now my ultimate dream is to represent my country at the International Powerlifting Championships and win a gold,” said the Microbiology Laboratory Technician,who worked for Orange City Hospital and Research Institute but had to resign after his son’s birth. The powerlifter who is also a certified fitness coach from AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) is working hard to fulfil her dream and make the city and country proud.

Savita, the captain, is better than what she was as a player: Coach

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 20, 2022

CAPTAINCY, in any team sport, either brings the best out of the leader or it ruins the career due to the added responsibility and pressure.

There are many captains in Indian history who have led from the front and taken their teams to greater heights.

In cricket it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, in football it was Sunil Chhetri, in men’s hockey it was PR Sreejesh who all led by example and gave the countrymen some memorable moments.

Indian women hockey team’s goalkeeper Savita Punia, who has been entrusted the responsibility to lead the team after Rani Rampal failed to recover from hamstring injury, has improved her performance since being handed over the baton in the World Cup.

She will be leading the side again at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games starting July 28.

According to Indian team’s chief coach Janneke Schopman, Savita as ‘the captain’ has improved since taking over the mettle and will only get better as the days pass.

Interacting with the media during a virtual press conference after the team reached Nottingham, in the United Kingdom, Schopman said that the team’s performance in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup wasn’t good but they created a lot of chances as well as executed the plans well.

To a query from ‘The Hitavada’ on how important will be the performance of goalkeeper and captain Savita in India’s progress in the CWG, Schopman said she is a player first and captain later.

“Everyone’s performance is important in the team’s progress, so is Savi’s. I have told her many times that she is a player first and then the captain of the side. But at the same time it’s her responsibility to perform to her ability and she knows that very well.

“This Savi (as captain) is better because she is learning and she is growing. She is becoming a better player and is a good leader,” Schopman explained about the ever-improving Indian custodian.

Punia was difficult to breach, especially in shootouts against Canada in the World Cup. She was agile, her reflexes were on cue and her instincts worked where she made a number of saves.

The former Dutch player said that India need to sharpen their skills in the coming matches.

“Our performance at the World Cup wasn’t good in terms of results. But we created a lot of penalty corner chances and played well overall in the tournament. It was our execution that wasn’t the best. We will be focusing on getting our execution right going ahead and prepare accordingly for the CWG. We need to train better for the execution to improve,” stated Schopman.

“There are many reasons for that. We struggled with our injections. It’s a different field than we typically train on. I don’t think we adapted that well.”

However, the 45-year-old coach also remarked that the team is no longer looked down upon in world hockey with the opponents often preferring to take defensive approaches against them.

“Our manner of playing has changed, instead of defending more like earlier, other teams are setting up defensively against us. We are attacking more now,” she added.

“You see a small transition happening when we play teams now that these teams prefer to play more defensively. If you see China, England and Canada, these teams were happily just defending. As a team we have to get used to it mentally that we have less space to attack,” the coach pointed out.

The Indian women's team, led by Savita, begin their campaign on July 29 in Birmingham with their match against Ghana, before playing Wales the next day. They take on England August 2 and Canada on August 3.

The Indian women’s team last won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games (Manchester) and silver in 2006 (Melbourne).

Hard work pays, says gold medallist Alfiya

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT WAS sort of exposure tour for Alfiya Pathan. But the hard-working Nagpur pugilist converted it into a golden moment.

Playing her maiden senior international boxing championship city’s golden girl Alfiya clinched a gold medal in the Elorda Cup in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan on Monday.

The yellow metal was more special as Alfiya completely dominated the competition with one-sided victories.

The reigning World Youth Champion Alfiya, who moved into the senior category recently, defeated 2016 world champion Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhstan by 5-0 margin without breaking a sweat in the women’s +81kg final. 

“Hard work pays,” was the immediate reply from Alfiya when asked about her dream tournament.

“It was a good fight (in the final). I played to a plan and succeeded,” Alfiya told this scribe from Nur-Sultan after winning the title.

She was so powerful that referee had to stop the bout with an RSC in the semi-finals.

“I never thought that I would win the semis against Valeria Axenova of Kazakhstan by RSC. I got the opportunity and landed my punches at the right place,” said Alfiya who trains with NIS boxing coach Ganesh Purohit.

The plan for the final was simple. “I wanted to give my best. I was not under any pressure as such but wanted to give my best and win the gold. My confidence grew after the semis victory and that helped me in the final,” she explained.

Alfiya was never in the scheme of things for this tour. 

“After appearing for my Boards I was at the academy and was not really preparing for this tournament. It was only because of Sports Authority of India (SAI) who decided to send me on this exposure tour.

Whatever time I got to practice I worked hard. I thank SAI and all officials for giving me this opportunity, concluded Alfiya.

City GMs excited to be part of Chess Olympiad Torch Relay

By Paritosh Pramanik

CHESS Grandmasters of the city are delighted to be part of the maiden Chess Olympiad Torch Relay which is going to take place in Nagpur on July 2.

This is for the first time that, on the lines of Olympics Torch Relay, the FIDE and AICF decided to organise the Olympiad Chess Torch Relay.

The 44th Chess Olympiad will be held in Mahabalipuram in Chennai from July 28 to August 10, 2022.

The historic relay, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from New Delhi on June 19, will travel 75 cities across the country before reaching Mahabalipuram on July 27, where the tournament is going to be held.

The torch will reach Nagpur on Saturday morning where it will be received jointly by the District Sports Office and Chess Association Nagpur. From there it will be taken to Zero Mile.

City’s first Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, Woman Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh and GM Sankalp Gupta, apart from other dignitaries will receive the torch.

Speaking with ‘The Hitavada’ Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Divya Deshmukh said she is happy to be part of the rally and thanked the government for the initiative.

“I am really happy to be part of this rally. I think this is a great initiative taken up by the government, AICF and FIDE. I was extremely happy when it was announced in Delhi that India is going to be the starting point for all the torch relays as chess originated in India,” said Divya, who is part of the India contingent.

“I felt patriotic when our PM lit the torch and handed it over to Vishy (Viswanathan Anand) sir. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the fact that this is just my first Olympiad is even more wonderful. I can’t actually believe that the Olympiad is happening (taking place) in India,” added Divya.

Divya hoped that the relay in the city would help the game grow further. “It (the relay) will help chess grow and people will get more aware of this wonderful sport. I really hope chess reaches every child in India because honestly, it is really a good sport and I hope this relay will make people more aware about it.” said Diyva, who was also praised by PM Modi in his speech last month during the flag-off.

City’s first Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, too, said it is a proud moment for Indians, not only Nagpur. “The torch relay is a great and proud moment for all of us. It is a wonderful initiative to popularise the beautiful game of chess in our city.

“It’s a great honour for me and I am really excited for the event and looking forward to becoming part of this historical, first of its kind event,” Sadhwani proudly said.

GM Sadhwani said it was also a proud moment when he attended the opening ceremony in New Delhi.

“I also attended the torch relay from where it started (Delhi) in the presence of Modiji, Vishy Anand sir and Sports Minister Anurag Thakurji,” added Sadhwani.

“This rally will definitely create awareness about chess. I appeal to all the schools and parents to teach this beautiful game of 64 squares to their children as it is the best mental exercise which improves memory and helps in focus and concentration,” said Sadhwani.

Another GM Sankalp Gupta, who will also be with the Indian team as a practising partner during the Olympiad, said he is grateful to the AICF for including him for the relay.

“This is a historic moment for chess that a torch relay has been organised. I’m very grateful and proud to be part of it.”

Gupta was also of the view that the relay will create a lot of awareness in the city.

“The relay will create a lot of awareness for chess and especially the Olympiad and I will say that chess is a gymnasium of mind and everyone should play,” concluded Gupta.

Pipe dream: NMC fails to develop single ground in 14 months

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR Municipal Corporation (NMC) administration is quick on announcing developmental schemes but is too slow in implementing them.

The latest is the announcement of development of sports fields around the city.

In April 2021, the Sports Committee of NMC announced to develop at least one ground in each of six legislative constituencies of Nagpur.

The grounds were selected and NMC earned much publicity in the media with the then sports committee chairman Pramod Tabhane along with other officials clicking photographs inspecting the grounds.

It was decided to construct compound walls to protect the ground from anti-socials, toilets, water facilities at all the selected grounds.

Nagpurians, especially the sportspersons, were forced to believe that the grounds would be developed in the best possible way with all basic amenities.

But it has been more than 14 months since then, not a single ground has been developed.

NMC had selected six grounds in six legislative constituencies.

In North Nagpur, Guru Govindsingh Stadium, in West Nagpur, Marartoli ground; in Central Nagpur: Adarsh Vinkar Colony ground; in South Nagpur, Chowkoni Sports Ground and Yuva Sanskriti Krida Mandal; in South West Nagpur, Central Excise Layout Ground and in East Nagpur, Vidarbha Housing Board Colony Ground were selected to be developed with all basic amenities.

But till date officials hardly visited any of the six grounds after their so-called inspection. It was also decided that those grounds in NITs possession would be transferred to NMC to speed up the development work. But that did not happen.

When contacted, Tabhane said that the files for the tendering process are ready but are being stalled with the NMC Commissioner Radhakrishnan B’s office. 

“We have submitted all the documents for the tendering process in February this year. But things are not moving from the NMC Commissioner’s office,” alleged Tabhane. “A few files are with NMC Sports Officer Piyush Ambulkar,” he said. “The NMC has already passed a budget in which 5 per cent of the total budget is allocated for sports. It would require hardly Rs 1.25 crore to develop these grounds,” Tabhane told ‘The Hitavada’.

However, as per Radhakrishnan B, grounds are to be developed by Nagpur Improvement Trust and gardens by NMC. The NMC has no power to develop the grounds, he said.

“I have not received any such proposal or files. As far as developing grounds are concerned it is NIT’s job. We (NMC) are entrusted to develop gardens of the city. I would like to ask Tabhane as to who gave him the permission to inspect and announce development grounds. No such order was issued from our department,” clarified Radhakrishnan B.

“If I receive any such proposal to develop grounds of the city, I would transfer it to NIT,” he clarified.

Whatever be the rules, but it is the sportspersons of the city who are suffering.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has proclaimed that he is developing over 300 grounds of the city, but the fact is that six grounds selected by the city fathers remain orphaned. It seems that the plans are not realistic and they will never be more than a pipe dream.

Asphalting work for synthetic track under way

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, June 1, 2022

The Department of Sports and Physical Education of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) wants this year the rains arrive a bit in advance. 

The reason: They want to test the surface and the level of the asphalt before laying off the synthetic track at its Ravi Nagar Sports Complex.

The work of laying synthetic track at RTMNU’s ground is going at a steady pace and the asphalting work is almost done. Once the slope of the asphalted track is tested during rainy season, the last stage of laying of synthetic track will be 

started. It’s been more than a week that the asphalting work is being done at the ground and in the next 5-6 days it will be completed.

Speaking with ‘The Hitavada’, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Physical Education and Sports said that they would now wait to check the slope and evenness of the track.

“We are waiting for the rains. That will help us check whether the slope is carried out perfectly for the track. If there are any uneven areas, we will take corrective measures to make it a levelled area. At the same time we will also be checking the drainage system during the rainy season. It’s now a matter of a couple of weeks and if all goes well, we will plan about the next stage,” said Dr Suryawanshi.

Heavy rollers are being used to make the tar track smooth and levelled. “I don’t think there would be any problem at the track area. Our main concern is the long jump area as it will be newly built. The running area already had a cinder track so the layers were properly filled with required materials. At the long jump area the soil will settle a bit and that has to be seen how much work would be needed on it,” explained Dr Suryawanshi.

Dr Suryawanshi added that the levelling of the football ground in the centre is completed with garden soil. “Proper slope too has been made and water will percolate evenly. The sprinklers too are installed. Once the lawn grass is sowed we will install sensors for sprinklers which will water the area evenly,” Dr Suryawanshi added.

RTMNU is also planning to upgrade the lighting system. At present the lights are of basic use. “We are planning to upgrade the lighting system. The high mast poles will have more powerful and extra lights,” said the RTMNU Sports Department Director.

The 8-lane synthetic track will have a steeplechase pit, one discus cum hammer throw cage, shot put ring, steeplechase water barrier, pole vault boxes, take off boards and other facilities. This will be the second athletics synthetic track of the city afterDivisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.

A couple of months ago an international measurement observer and athletics technical expert Low Kok Kwong of International Athletics Federation visited the construction site. He was satisfied with the laying work of the synthetic track.

In his first visit Kwong had checked the dimensions and tolerance level of the track.

Apart from the track, the university is planning to construct a practice arena outside the chained fencing area. “We have sent a proposal to PWD and are awaiting their reply,” said Dr Suryawanshi.

The entire 2 months’ journey was memorable: Nalkande

 

Vidarbha pacer Darshan Nalkande cherishes gujarat titans’ IPL title victory

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE golden confetti was spread all over. Gujarat Titans cricketers hugged each other and pumped their fists to celebrate their IPL title over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. 

So did pacer Darshan Nalkande. It was a dream come true for the Vidarbha fast bowler who donned the Gujarat Titans Blue after being picked by the new franchise for a 

base price.

He might have played just two games but Nalkande felt he was part of the playing XI for all the 16 matches Gujarat Titans’ played in this IPL.

Nalkande played a couple of games and impressed all with his pace. For the records, the Akola-based bowler played against Sunrisers Hyderabad at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and against Punjab Kings at Brabourne where he took two wickets.

The early victories set the tempo for the Titans and they marched on the victory path to conquer the peak.

Nalkande said the entire two months with the team are unforgettable. He said he would like to cherish each and every moment, not just the final victory.

“It’s yet to sink in. What a memorable two months. And when it ends in this fashion, it gets more beautiful,” said Nalkande of the title victory. 

“The entire two months’ journey was memorable. It was my first IPL and also for Gujarat Titans. It was also for the first time that Hardik bhai was leading a bunch of new guys. There are many moments to cherish but the best would be this maiden title victory on debut. Yes, another best part was that we, as a team, stuck together, in highs and lows and everyone backed each other. We celebrated each others’ success and shared their lows,” Nalkande said while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from Ahmedabad where the team will be staying for the next few days, attending functions.

Nalkande said that the positiveness in the dressing room helped all in winning crunch matches. “The coaches created the best environment around the team and there was a very healthy atmosphere. The dressing room atmosphere was very positive and I think that positiveness helped us in the crunch matches. The dressing room taught me how to stay calm and positive in crunch situations. That helped the team in winning the matches and eventually the coveted title,” Nalkande proudly said.

On his interaction and what he learned from India pacer and Gujarat Titans’ coach Ashish Nehra, Nalkande said, “Nehra sir kept it very simple. He taught me how to bowl in match situations, how to handle the pressure and how to read the batsmen. His minute tips helped me a lot as a bowler. He explained to me how to set the batsmen, how to prepare before the match days. Those hard yards we put during the practice helped us in lifting the trophy,” said Nalkande.

Despite playing only two matches, the Vidarbha pacer said he had no regrets of not getting more chances during the tournament and added that he felt he was part of the playing XI throughout the tournament.

“I have no regrets at all for not playing more than a couple of matches. I enjoyed every moment and above all I gained a lot of experience during the tournament, whether I was in the playing XI or not. I supported all my team members and there was no feeling of being left out. I felt that I was part of playing XI throughout the tournament,” he added.

Nalkande was impressed with the way captain Pandya presented himself throughout the tournament, on and off the field.“Hardik bhai is a very calm person. At the same time he is very hardworking and backs the youngsters right from Day One. I still remember the first day I joined the Gujarat Titans for a camp at Baroda. He (Hardik) was very friendly and talked with me very openly like old friends. He made me feel very comfortable. Even during matches, Hardik bhai supported me to the full and never let the pressure overtake me in my first match. He always gave me positive feedback. Even when I was making some mistakes he used to correct me in a very calm and cordial manner,” stated Nalkande.

“‘Don’t worry about bowling a bad ball. Just bowl according to the plan and to your strength’. When you get such support from your captain you automatically get pumped up and give your 100 per cent,” added the Vidarbha pacer.

Nalkande’s phone is flooded with WhatsApp. His phone has been ringing since Sunday night. He had a brief chat with his parents in Akola but it was too short.

“There are hundreds of WhatsApp messages. I replied to a few but there are many more and they still continue to come in. I had a very brief talk with my family back in Akola but will talk to them freely when we return from Chief Minister’s (Bhupendra Patel) House,” Nalkande signed off.

Gold Hunter: City’s talented paddler Jennifer Varghese wins 3 golds at Asian Junior and Cadet TT C’ship in Maldives

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, May 13, 2022

She participated in three permissible events and fetched gold from all of them.

Nagpur’s talented table tennis player Jennifer Varghese is on a golden hunt these days.

From two international outings, Jennifer has claimed four gold and one silver medals forcing all to shake their heads in disbelief.

The 13-year-old Centre Point School, Katol Road, Nagpur paddler, escorted the Indian table tennis team on a golden journey as Indian boys and girls wrapped up their outing with 11 gold and 10 silver medals in the South Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships that concluded in Male, Maldives.

Out of the 11 golds, Jennifer, who had won a gold and a  

silver at World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender in girls singles events at Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunisia in March, claimed all gold medals up for grab in her cadet girls category.

Indian paddlers won four singles and four doubles titles, besides three team gold medals. To her credit, Jennifer won cadet girls singles, cadet girls team and cadet girls doubles titles making it another memorable international outing. Jennifer played with precision and showed her killer instincts devouring opponents after opponents. In the girls team final category, India defeated Nepal 3-0 with Jennifer winning her singles match against Evana 11-1, 11-5, 11-4. Later in the doubles section of the same event, Jennifer teamed up with Sandika Bhattacharjee and they defeated the pair of Evana and Bianca 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 to claim the title. The Indian duo were up against the Pakistani pair of Hoor Fawad and Haiqa Hassan in the cadet doubles final and they did not give an inch to their arch-rivals claiming the gold in straight games 11-6, 11-6, 11-4.

Jennifer did not stop her and showed her hunger to win golds. She stepped up to aim for her third gold in the cadet girls singles sumit clash against hosts Maldives’ Fatimah D. Jennifer took the first game but lost the second. 

However, she grouped herself brilliantly in the remaining three games to clinch her third yellow metal with the scoreboard reading 13-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6.

India did not field a team in the Junior Boys category, resulting in the loss of another sure-shot gold. 

With the near-sweep of gold apart, the team members also boosted their overall tally with 10 silver medals to stamp their authority in the regional event.

The four-day championships that began on May 9 saw complete domination of the Indian squads in both the team events, the doubles and the singles. The gold in the Junior Boys team went to Bangladesh. Teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the hosts, Maldives, had to settle for the lesser medals.

Midland’s sports academy to come up at NIT pool

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE Nagpur Improvement Trust’s (NIT) Swimming Pool in North Ambazari Road will not be limited for leisure swimming any more.

For decades, this most vaunted venue for city swimmers saw hoards of budding and fitness freaks thronging during summer seasons to beat the heat. Some even used it to slash that extra flab in their body by taking up swimming classes at this venue.

But from now onwards the NIT Swimming Pool will also become the address for an advanced sports academy apart from swimming.

The pool, which underwent a major renovation, opened to the general public on Saturday.

Midland Sports and Wellness Private Limited has taken the pool on a 15-year lease and will be operating the same.

That’s not all. The company has also started a sports academy—Hanuman Sports Academy — which will not be limited to swimming.

Prashant Ugemuge, Managing Director, Midland Sports and Wellness Private Limited, said that the pool will now be developed as a sports academy.

“When we took this venue on a 15-year lease, it was in a very bad condition. At one corner there was a statue of Hanuman. We were already planning to start an academy here. Hence we decided to name it as Hanuman Sports Academy,” said Ugemuge while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

Speaking further on the selection procedure for the academy, Ugemuge said, “the enrollment is on. We will hold competitions among the swimmers. Then we will select the best and deserving swimmers. The best would be then sponsored and coached year long. We want to produce champion swimmers from the city. We have set a target of 4-5 years where we wish to produce at least two national swimming champions.”

The Hanuman Sports Academy will not only impart swimming coaching. There will also be proper trainers, physios, dietitians, doctors and nutritionists who would look at the overall development of the swimmers.

“We want to produce national champions and for that we need a proper set-up. We have already appointed a couple of coaches and are in process of appointing other faculties,” informed Ugemuge.

Apart from swimming, the academy will also train sportspersons in triathlon. “I am also associated with cycling. We will be taking the services of internationally famed ultra-cyclist Dr Amit Samarth who will impart training in cycling and triathlon. We will also be constructing a virtual cycling arena with adjustable temperature modes. The sportspersons would be trained here so that they get a competitive feeling,” Ugemuge further explained.

“In next 3-4 months the complex will also boast of a gymnasium, a spa and will also have water yoga. We will also have a squash court,” Ugemuge proudly said.

The Midland Sports and Wellness Pvt Ltd also kept senior citizens in mind and has decided to provide fabulous discounts to them. “Those in the 60 to 75 years bracket will get a 50 per cent discount in their fee while those above 75 years of age will be allowed to use the pool free of cost,” Ugemuge said.

About the renovation of the pool, Ugemuge stated that around Rs 45-50 lakh have already been spent and would be investing more.

“We would be needing around Rs two crore for further upgradation which also includes installing Ozone treatment plant. Such plants are very less in the country and it filters water in a much better way than the present one,” mentioned the Managing Director.

The company faced a lot of difficulties in renovation work.

“The biggest challenge was to make the pool water proof. A lot of hard work was required. With the pool shut due to COVID for over two years, the water pumping motors at the treatment plant got damaged and were of no use. We had to replace most of them. The water we are getting is of very poor quality and it had to be treated well. That is also a big challenge,” Ugemuge admitted.

Once the treated water is pumped in the main pool, which is 50 metres in length and 25 metres in width (10 lanes), it looks crystal clear with 

the blue tiles beneath clearly visible. 

A warm-up pool has also been constructed for beginners which is of 25 metres length and 15 metres width. “This pool is constructed under the stairs of spectators gallery and hence covered. It can be used by beginners as well as by professionals who can use it in the afternoon as well if they want to avoid the scorching heat,” informed Ugemuge.

“The area of the pool for kids has also been increased and the diving pool has also been renovated. Theses will also be opened in a few days,” concluded Ugemuge.

It’s time to make a splash!

Sarda: The ‘nursery’ student who became VHA president

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE passing away of Radheshyam Sarda, a steel businessman and former two-time President of Vidarbha Hockey Association, has created a big void in city’s hockey circle. He will be missed by the game’s lovers for his administrative skills.

Sarda, 67, passed away on Thursday.

Sarda came into limelight in the sports field in the year 2005 when he defeated much acclaimed late Balraj Aher in the VHA election. The election was much publicised as it was after more than 18 years, that the association was getting a new legally-elected executive committee. It was also for the first time the election was held as prior to 2005, the body was elected unanimously, till 1987.

From 1987 and till 2004, VHA was run by Aher who was its president and late Gurumurthy Pillay who acted as the secretary.

Late Arun Kokane fought a legal battle in the charity commissioner office and the election was announced on April 24, 2005.

Sarda, who himself termed his entry on hockey field as a “nursery student” stunned all by narrowly defeating Aher,  who was the sitting Vice-President of now defunct Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), by eight votes for the top post.

Sarda later continued to be associated with hockey and also served as its executive committee member, having no inclination in holding the top posts.

“I want to serve the game. Whether I am the president or an executive member, I will always be there for the development of hockey,” he had told ‘The Hitavada’

If his first executive body in 2005 was a mixed one, the 2014 election helped his Hockey Lovers and Promoters Panel make a clean sweep winning all the 13 posts available. Such was his relation with the life members of the association, which had a big number of businessmen.

It was a sort of return to the game for Sarda in 2014 as he claimed the president’s post from another well-known businessman BC Bhartia who was at the top for six years.

Sarda also helped in developing the lawn ground and during his tenure the association got a new office building.

Sarda’s passing away was mourned by his VHA colleagues. “Very sad news that Radheshyam Sarda left for heavenly abode today. He served Vidarbha Hockey Association as executive committee member as well as its President. We pray the departed soul rest in peace and impart strength to family at this time of grief,” said TN Sidhra, who is court-appointed administrator of the association.

Former VHA Vice-President Subhash Chander said, “Sarda was a dynamic personality. May Almighty give strength to his family.”

“He was a good administrator of the association. His administrative skills were excellent and has the ability to complete any task within time,” said other hockey lovers.