Delayed start to NDFA’s football season this year

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE 2020-21 football season of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) will have a delayed start due to 
coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought all the sporting activities in the city to a grinding halt. League matches of NDFA’s two divisions—Senior and First—were not even started when the government imposed complete lockdown in March.
NDFA had even declared the fixtures of Senior Division which was scheduled to start from March 16.
But the Janta Curfew and then the lockdown, which has been extended, forced the association to postpone the two tournaments.
With the situation still looking grim and chances of lockdown ending thinner, the two leagues, it seems, might be cancelled or may be played prior to the new season starts, in September.
“We are yet to complete the two divisions (Senior and First). We were ready with the Senior Division scheduled but it could not be started due to the lockdown,” said Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary, Nagpur District Football Association.
“As things stands now, we may have to scrap the two meets this season. But nothing is final yet,” he added.
NDFA President Haresh Vora said the new season will be delayed. “The present situation doesn’t look good. We are yet to complete last year’s leagues. The new season will be delayed by a couple of months,” he mentioned.
Vora is still optimistic that the Senior and First Division matches would be completed in coming months.
“What we can do is start the new season with Senior and First Division matches which are part of last season. But for that we have to see first when can we start our season. The sooner the lockdown ends then only we can plan out things.
“We can start the season with these divisions and then complete the season again with the matches of the same division next year,” he remarked.
This year there will be no transfers as it was done last year itself hence much of time will be saved this year.
“That is a big plus point. We don’t have the transfers this year. So a much time is saved. We can make adjustments for those few who don’t have players in lower division,” informed Vora.
There are 20 teams in First Division which include Veer Football Club, Hansraj FC, Gouhar FC, Nagpur Star, Maverick FC, Green Flag, Young Boys, Al-Fateh FC, Rahul Academy, Birsa Munda, Eagle ‘B’, Bezonbagh, Yuva FC, Nobel FC, Young Ansar, Shakti FC, Mecosabagh FC, Big Ben and Bhankheda FC.
“It would hardly take 15-20 days to complete the leagues,” Vora concluded.

More Than financial losses, missing Olympic culture is Mundra’s loss

By Paritosh Pramanik

Apr 22, 2020

HE HAS never missed a single major sporting event around the world in last 20 years. But the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought the entire world to a grinding halt, has forced globe-trotting Omprakash Mundra to reschedule his tours of 2020.
The young 70-year-old Omprakash Mundra, a steel businessman from Nagpur, has been travelling around the world, being part of each and every sporting extravaganza since 1982 Asiad in New Delhi. He was ‘part’ of all the major sporting events, be it the Summer Olympics, Paralympics, Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Cricket World Cups, Wimbledons, French Opens, Australian Opens, to name a few.
This year, too, he was gunning for the Tokyo Games but his plans received a roadblock with 2020 Olympics postponed to next year due to COVID-19.
“Everything was in place. I had booked my air tickets last year (2019) itself. The opening ceremony and tickets of several events were also purchased. Even the stay at hotels have been booked. Being a sports lover, my wife (Premlata) and I wanted to see all sports. I had booked my stay at Tokyo till September because I wanted to watch the Paralympics as well. But the schedule has now gone haywire,” said Mundra, who was suppose to travel to Tokyo mid July.
There is very less chance of Mundra getting refunds. “I have written to Singapore Airlines either to reschedule my tickets or give me refund. But they said that their waiver policy is applicable for all bookings for travel upto May 31, 2020. Since my travel is for July 2020, this policy does not apply to my ticket,” Mundra told ‘The Hitavada’.
Mundra is least bothered about the refund. What he will miss is the chance to meet and watch world’s best athletes and learn different cultures.
“I love different cultures. I love to meet the athletes. I don’t care losing a few bucks. What I will miss is the sport and the sporting spirit, the culture of the host nation. I had booked my stay in Tokyo till September as I wanted to watch the Paralympics as well,” elaborated Mundra.
“I talked to the hotels where I have booked my stay in Tokyo and they said they would retain old bookings. My match tickets of different events will also be the same which I have booked,” a relieved Mundra said.
The city’s “sports fanatic” has purchased Olympics tickets for table tennis, artistic swimming, basketball, beach volleyball, athletics, Indian hockey matches, handball apart from opening and closing ceremonies.
If not only Tokyo Olympics, Mundra has already booked tickets for the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia in October.
“If situation improves I would be leaving for Perth on October 15. I have purchased tickets for 15 matches including semi-final and final at Melbourne on November 15,” revealed Mundra.
“I am an optimistic person. I still believe that WT20 will take place,” said a self proclaimed diehard sports fan.
“Being ICC’s privileged member, I got match tickets at much cheaper rates. I would not lose much of money on tickets and air fares as they were also booked well in advance and at the cheapest rate. The thing is I am missing the sports very much. For the first time in my life, with no workout and physical movement, I am feeling old, which I never felt in my entire life,” concluded the 70-year-old sports enthusiast.

How Dad’s hobby made Divya Queen Of 64 Squares

Published on April 18, 2020

By Paritosh Pramanik

HER father used to play chess as a hobby while her great grandfather (maternal) used to spend Saturdays challenging the great revolutionary Vinoba Bhave in the game of 64 square. Inculcating father’s hobby and grandfather’s ‘roots’, Nagpur’s Divya Deshmukh carved a niche for herself to become a Woman International Master in chess at a tender age of 14 years.
The yet-to-be 15 Divya has claimed many a title, dethroned several well-known figures in chess as she emerged Queen of the 64 squares at a very small age.
An “obedient” daughter of ophthalmologist Dr Jitendra and Dr Namrata Deshmukh, Divya, too, started playing chess as a hobby with her father and gradually developed intererst only to make it her passion.
“She has been a very obedient and hard-working kid. Her interest in chess generated slowly over a period of time. My husband used to play chess as a hobby. I knew the game because my grandfather used to play chess with Vinoba Bhave every Saturday. So it was not new to our family,” Dr Namrata told ‘The Hitavada’.
Divya’s growing interest in chess forced Deshmukhs to help her pursue her dream. The way she picked the nuances of game, the doctor couple were sure their daughter would make a name sooner than later in the brain game. But both never thought that their daughter would start winning titles at a very tender age. “We knew it is too early to assume anything. But she started playing well and also started winning trophies,” Dr Namrata proudly said.
Looking at her progress Deshmukhs started supporting her in every possible way. “We tried to do everything that was required to do. There were challenges and there will be more diffifult paths in future but we have to face it. Monetary challenge is the biggest one,” admitted Dr Namrata. Dr Jitendra is working as professor and head in Government Medical College at Gondia and gets very little time to spend with his daughter. But whenever he is at home, he makes it a point to spend time with the WIM daughter. “When he is at home he helps in everything. When on duty he is just a phone call away. He is the decision maker for us,” admitted Dr Namrata. Divya does call her father regularly and at times also does video call. “Thanks to video calling, little compensation is there. She always make a video call and talk to her father. She calls him anytime...talks to him about chess,” mentioned Dr Namrata. 
When on tour Divya, who is an Under-14 Commonwealth Championships gold medalist (2019), makes a point to talk to her father before the start of 
her round. “Many times just before the round starts Divya makes a call to her father. That makes her more confident,” claimed Dr Namrata. The little princess of Deshmukh family is passionate for chess. “Once she decided to play a tournament in high fever. We were reluctant but she did not budge. And she won the title. That was the proudest moment for all of us. She is a very hard nut to crack. Does not give up easily,” said Dr Namrata.
Dr Namrata gets concerned when Divya, who won the Under-12 World Cadets Chess title at Pocos de Caldas, Brazil in 2017, insists to play any tournament even if she is not well. “As I said earlier, she is very passionate for chess. Even half fit, she wants to participate in any tournament.”
Being a chess wizard, Divya, who won her first World title (U-10) at the World Youth Chess Championship in Durban in 2014, wants to live life fully.
“She loves going out, wants to eat good food, also tries her hand at outdoor games. She is open for anything. She loves sports, music. That the best part of her. We hope she continues her journey ahead and achieve all the success,” concluded Dr Namrata.

Dream of a big house on back-burner, Sadhwanis first want to see Raunak as world chess champion

Published on  April 15, 2020

By Paritosh Pramanik

THEIR dream of a new ‘big house’ has been put on the back-burner, for time being. There are loans to be repaid. The travelling cost to different parts of the world is obnoxiously high. But still, there are no regrets at all until their kid is conquering the world step by step. That too at a tender age of 14 years!
Bharat and Heena Sadhwani, proud parents of city’s first Chess Grandmaster Raunak are the happiest couple despite keeping their personal desires, dreams under the wraps. For them their son’s chess career tops everything at present.
To some extent, they have succeeded in guiding Raunak to the top. But there is still a long way to go. The dream of their son winning the World Chess title is yet to be fulfilled. The Sadhwanis are confident Raunak will achieve that too in near future.
At every step, since Raunak started his chess career when he was not even eight years, (7.5 to be precise), their confidence grew. “Raunak was under nine years of age when he won the first State title (8 years and six months) in 2014. That ‘crown’ kick-started his career in chess. Before that it was a leisure sport. Raunak used to eagerly wait for his father to return from his chemical factory and play chess with him,” recalled Heena, who has now turned as Raunak’s “tour manager”.
“It was that State and after that National title at Pondicherry in 2014 which helped our confidence grow. It was more satisfying as Raunak had defeated a well-acclaimed and top-rated Chennai’s Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Those were the days when a State or National title was the topmost prize for us. But when Raunak got selected in Indian team for World Youth, Asian Youth and Commonwealth Chess Championship (he won gold) and then for Asian Chess Competition (bronze), we decided to devote ourselves in making Raunak a master of 64 squares,” Heena told this scribe.
“A few months later (in 2015), at the World Chess Championship at Greece, Raunak finished joint second. That gave wings to our dreams,” said Heena.
Heena and Bharat had to do split duty as Raunak’s tour partners. They had to take care of their business (chemical factory) as well as of their second son (Armaan). And they very immaculately divided the tours.
As businessman Ratan Tata puts it “I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and make them right’, Sadhwanis too decided first and made the decisions count right.
“It was not possible for both of us to travel with Raunak at the same time. So we divided the tours. When Bharat was travelling with Raunak I took care of our business and Armaan and when I was travelling, my husband looked after Armaan and the business. By God’s grace, my maternal home is very close to my house (in Jaripatka) and my mother took care of Armaan. We are very much blessed to get her support,” remarked Heena.
“Armaan, despite being just two years old, never troubled Bharat or my mother. I think Raunak winning the GM title should be attributed to Armaan too,” felt Heena.
Till a certain stage, chess doesn’t look a very costly game but as the player reaches higher level, the cost, specially of advanced coaching, travel, stay, increases. Sadhwanis, too, faced this situation but took this challenge on 
the chin. 
“Raunak’s father Bharat worked day and night. He started a construction business just to add a few more bucks which would help us in Raunak’s coaching, travel and stay,” revealed Heena with pride.
“Bharat has a dream of having a big house. But we have kept that dream pending. We are now fully concentrating on Raunak’s future,” she revealed.
After Raunak won the International Master (IM) title in May 2018, it hardly took him another 17 months or so to achieve the most coveted GM title.
“When Raunak became International Master it became more challenging for us. We wanted him to become a GM and that was not easy. For that he had to participate in major tournaments in the world. 
“We took loans from various sources to foot Raunak’s tour bills,” said Heena.
The Sadhwanis were ‘forced’ to do so as Raunak had started getting acclamation and was billed as future star by several top rated Grandmasters, including GM Viswanathan Anand.
GM Anand’s words gave Sadhwanis more confidence which took Raunak to that edge of glorious achievement from where the Grandmaster norm was visible. 
“Last year Anand appreciated him and said ‘Raunak is a big talent who is ridiculously underrated. His rating should have been much higher. The moves he is playing is of a high class’,” recalled Heena. “Once after playing against Raunak, Anand had admitted that he was ‘searching for a draw’. It is a very big compliment for us. That gave a fillip to Raunak’s as well as our confidence,” acknowledged the proud mother.
That confidence boosting words gave a push to Raunak in getting GM title last October.
The Sadhwani couple still dreams of first watching Raunak becoming a World Chess Champion and then moving into a ‘big house’. “The path is very difficult but not impossible,” accepts Heena.
Former India President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had said, “dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let your sleep.”
The Sadhwanis have spent several sleepless nights and still continue to do so. It is for sure that their dreams will be fulfilled. 
One Day.

n

It’s online learning, reading time for GM Sadhwani

PAINTING LESSONS FOR DIVYA 
CHESS MASTERS APPEAL CITIZENS TO STAY AT HOME

Principal Correspondent

THE nationwide lockdown might not have affected these city chessmasters as they usually enjoy the company of computers or chess boards and are mostly confined to their rooms. But, surely they know the importance of social distancing and self isolation during this critical period.
The COVID-19 has claimed more than 21,000 lives world over and the best thing to keep the virus at bay is to stay at home. India is under 21-day lockdown and authorities are urging citizens to stay at home.
City’s only Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, International Masters Divya Deshmukh and Sankalp Gupta are enjoying the forced but important break from their routine, staying at home with their families.
Raunak and Divya are globetrotting chess players. In last 12 months they might have played more than a dozen international tournaments. But at this time of crisis, they prefer to remain confined to their homes.
“The world is in a critical condition. We all have to accept it and fight with this disastrous virus. This lockdown is very important for everyone’s safety,” Sadhwani  said while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
The youngest Shiv Chhatrapati award winner requested all to abide Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to stay at home to stay safe. “I request everyone, as responsible citizens, to follow and respect the decisions of our beloved PM. It is for our good.”
Not the one to sit idle on a couch, Sadhwani is practicing on computers to improve his game.
“I am practicing and using this time to improve my game. I am also reading some chess books like ‘Mind Master’ and ‘Deep Thinking’ by the great GM Gary Kasparov and studying the games of the legends,” said Sadhwani.
“I am also spending some time with my younger brother,” he added.
Giving example of Viswanathan Anand on how he won the world title, Sadhwani said, Vishy sir (Viswanathan Anand) faced so many problems before his world championship match against Topalov. But he did not panic and emerged a world champion. So, this is not the time to panic but to have patience, it’s just a matter of time.”
Woman International Master Divya Deshmukh, too, is relishing the forced break by spending time at home. Like Sadhwani she too has played around 25 tournaments in the past one year.
“I am enjoying the forced break. But I am, as usual, playing and practicing on computers. Trying to improve my game,” said Divya. Divya now has to work a bit hard as she has slipped in rankings.
“I have to work hard as I have to improve my rankings,” she said.
Apart from chess, Divya is trying her hands at drawing and paintings. Though she is not an expert, she is trying to be one.
Newly crowned International Master Sankalp Gupta stays in a joint family and is using the break by playing cricket in their compound apart from board games.
“I have a joint family, we are playing cricket, board games, watching shows, movies. Apart from that I’m practicing chess also and learning new openings,” said Gupta.
“For at least 4-5 hours I play chess online, check new openings, studying middle game and endgames,” he added.
Till Wednesday, Gupta was following Candidates Chess but it was called off by the Russian organisers due to coronavirus.
“I was following candidates tournament but unfortunately it got called off,” added Gupta.

Gupta also requested Nagpurians to stay at home to stay safe. “This is very critical time. If we follow the rules we will be safe, if not, only God knows what will happen. I request all citizens to stay at home till April 15,” he signed off.

Now, the trophy cabinet is complete, says elated VCA President Jaiswal

By Paritosh Pramanik

VIDARBHA Cricket Association President Advocate Anand Jaiswal was elated with the performance of the Under-23 team which won the maiden Col CK Nayudu title defeating Madhya Pradesh in Indore on Friday.
The VCA chief was “fully satisfied” after the lone missing trophy was won by the Colts. 
“Now the VCA’s cabinet is complete. We were missing the U-23 trophy. Now we have all, from Vijay Merchant to Ranji and Irani trophies,” said Jaiswal.
Jaiswal proudly said that the manner in which the team performed throughout the tournament is really praiseworthy.
“Proud of the boys. Specially the manner in which they played the entire tournament. On number of times they were down but they picked themselves up and came back strongly to win the matches. This shows their character. They are absolute deserving winners,” acclaimed Jaiswal while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.
Jaiswal felt that the future of Vidarbha cricket is bright and has a strong bench strength.
“The performance of Under-23 and Under-19 boys shows that Vidarbha cricket has a bright future. It has a good bench strength and good feeder line for the senior side in the number of years to come,” said Jaiswal.
Jaiswal lauded the support staff and the management for handling the situation efficiently when several players were shuffled with the Ranji team. 
“The team management did handled the situation properly.  Since past two-three years we have been successfully using players from U-23 side and at times from U-19 also and vice-versa. They did a great job in selecting balanced teams in the tournament,” added Jaiswal.
The president once again had a word of caution for the senior players and said nobody should take their place in the team for granted.
“Better be aware (seniors). Because the juniors are tapping at your feat. The more competition there is, the more performance there will be for people to retain their places in the team. Nobody should take their place for granted. Anybody performing well will be rewarded with a place in the appropriate team,” he said.
Jaiswal said the team will be felicitated for their title winning performance at a later date.
“We will definitely felicitate them later. We have postponed it due to coronavirus outbreak,” he concluded.

Hard work that started last summer paid off: Gonsalves

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT ALL started in the ‘Summer of 2019’. The seeds were sowed in the month of April and May when coach Trevor Gonsalves and his team along with VCA officials sat together to draw the roadmap. Those months of planning and players’ dedication bore fruit in the form of the maiden Under-23 Col CK Nayudu title.
The only trophy which was missing from Vidarbha Cricket Association’s overflowing cabinet, found its place on Friday when the side won the final defeating hosts Madhya Pradesh by eight wickets.
Coach Gonsalves was elated that finally his team managed to bring at least one trophy home after a barren 2019-20 season.
“It’s an amazing feeling. We have worked so hard for this day. But it was not easy past 11-12 months. Our planning started last year around April-May,” said Gonsalves from Indore after the title win.
It was not an easy ask for Gonsalves to keep the team motivated specially when 6-7 players were representing the Vidarbha Ranji trophy side. 
“It was tough to keep the balance in the side. All through the tournament we were supplying players for the senior side. That’s why we started planning in advance. We were aware of our Colts playing for senior side and hence we started the backup team which helped us during the league matches,” revealed Gonsalves.
“It’s a sort of record that we gave seven players for Ranji Trophy and yet managed to clinch the CK Nayudu Trophy,” added Gonsalves.
The coach admitted that it was very difficult to keep the guys motivated when seven top players were not with the team.
“It was really difficult to keep the team members motivated when seven top players were not with you. We had to start from the scratch,” said the coach.
Such strong was the team combination that in some matches Mohit Kale, who was even named captain, had to sit out. But the motivational talks during summer and monsoon season helped keep the players motivated.
“It was very tough to keep the players motivated after they were left out of the squad. Player like Mohit had to warm the bench in a few matches. 
“But the classes (motivational) we conducted during summer and monsoon season helped a lot in keeping these players pumped up,” said Gonsalves.
On the final, Gonsalves said motivating the players helped a lot. “On second night I asked them to do something extraordinary if they want to become extraordinary. 
“I gave them example of Virat Kohli how he showed his exemplary skills to reach the top. They performed brilliantly today and the result is there to be seen,” said the coach.

Short-n-Sweet: Colts win maiden Nayudu trophy

Atharv Taide and Co stun MP inside three days n win title by eight wickets after conceding first innings lead 

Principal Correspondent

TIME was running out but they had nothing to lose. After conceding first innings lead to Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha Under-23 team had two days to turn their fortunes. The ‘short’ period ignited the idea of ‘short stuff’ in the mind of coach Trevor Gonsalves. The pacers targeted the rib-cage of Madhya Pradesh batsmen and the hosts had no answer to the barrage of short balls.
In the end, Vidarbha managed to finish the game in a very ‘short’ time winning it by eight wickets inside three days.
The maiden Col CK Nayudu title win is sweeter as Vidarbha claimed the title after conceding a 31-run first innings lead. 
A pep talk on second night with coach Gonsalves turned the tide in Vidarbha’s favour.
“We had a long session last night. We were anyway down and out. In the first innings, I saw Madhya Pradesh batsmen struggling a bit with shorter deliveries. We decided to target their rib-cage on the third morning. Our plan worked and they were bundled out for a very meagre score which we managed to knock off in no time,” coach Gonsalves told ‘The Hitavada’ after Vidarbha’s title win at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
On the third morning Vidarbha seamers Nachiket Bhute (27/3) and Aditya Thakare (14/3) bowled fiery spells to share six wickets between them as they crushed Madhya Pradesh’s hopes of lifting the Col CK Nayudu trophy.
Vidarbha decided to use one end with seamers and pressed the two left-arm spinners from the other. Harsh Dubey (11/2) and Mohit Raut (3/2) did not disappoint their coach as they too strangulated Madhya Pradesh’s batsmen with their tweakers as the hosts were all out for 60 runs.
The target of 91 was easily achieved with opener Taide scoring 32 runs and Nayan Chavan hitting an unbeaten 53 runs.
The hosts had a horrible start to their second innings. They lost their opener on the third delivery of the day when Parth Goswami was trapped in front by Bhute.
Thakare then accounted for the other opener Rishabh Choubey who managed only five runs before being caught by captain Taide in the sixth over.
Wickets kept on tumbling as the trophy started slipping towards Vidarbha dressing room.
There was hardly any partnership between MP batsmen and runs dried up.
The clever thinking of using seamers from one end and spinners from the other paid off for Vidarbha as Madhya Pradesh batters failed to adjust themselves.

From 41 for five their second innings folded up at 60 runs giving Vidarbha a target of 92 runs which the visitors managed in 23.1 overs.
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Play with ‘zidd’: Jaffer to Vidarbha teams

Retired stalwart ready to coach Vidarbha

n By Paritosh Pramanik

HE HAS inculcated the habit of winning in Vidarbha cricket. He has also converted the team of also-rans into title winners. Domestic stalwart Wasim Jaffer wants the team to continue in same way they performed in last 3-4 years.
With Jaffer in the fold, Vidarbha won two Ranji Trophies and as many Irani trophies for which even the 42-year-old batsman himself also is surprised. But Jaffer, who announced his retirement on Saturday, said he wants Vidarbha to continue their title winning acts and never lose hope.
“When I joined Vidarbha fold I had never thought that we would win a title. But the team performed really well and we won not one but two titles. I had never thought when I joined Vidarbha that I would play a Ranji Trophy final or an Irani final. I wanted to train the youngsters and pass my experience to them. But it was indeed pleasure to win two back to back titles. It was unreal for me to be honest,” Jaffer told ‘The Hitavada’ from Mumbai.
Jaffer was sure of a healthy future of Vidarbha with the age group teams performing well in past few years.
“The U-16, U-19 and U-23 teams are really doing well and I think they have great talent. I they should continue to get good coach like Chandrakant Pandit is with Ranji team. Even after Pandit, there should be someone to take the legacy forward,” felt Jaffer.
“It is very important to give these youngsters a direction. I think this is the topmost thing for Vidarbha cricket. The U-23 is playing final, the U-19 team has played final. I think the team is moving in the right direction and the same should be continued.”
Jaffer said the Ranji team should continue with the habit of winning. “Collective performance is must. At the end of the day we play to win and I think they should not forget this in future too,” said Jaffer.
The former Vidarbha cricketer said players should become a “Ziddi” cricketer.
“They should not gift their wickets. They should be “Ziddi” cricketers. They should feel gutted when they lose games and should celebrate when they register win.”

Jaffer is open to coach Vidarbha in future. “Definitely I would love to coach Vidarbha as I know many players and officials. It would be very easy for me to judge the players and officials,” Jaffer signed off.
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Wining four trophies with Wasimbhai was special: Faiz
n By Paritosh Pramanik

WINNING maiden silverware would be the best moment of life for any cricketer. But for Vidarbha captain Faiz Fazal, who has won two back-to-back Ranji and Irani trophies, winning it along with First-Class Cricket’s stalwart Wasim Jaffer is the best cricketing moment of his career.
Faiz feels that the void created by Jaffer’s retirement would be difficult to fill but at the same time the Vidarbha skipper said life goes on.
“I would rate the maiden Ranji Trophy title win at Indore as my best moment with Wasimbhai. He hit those winning runs as we lifted our first Ranji title. It was really pleasing and satisfying,” said Fazal while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
“Wining four trophies with Wasim is really praiseworthy. He is an institution in himself and his guidance has helped Vidarbha a lot. I would like to thank him for all the love and affection he has given to Vidarbha,” said Fazal.
Fazal said he was the most underrated cricketer in the country.
“Jaffer has played for India, for Mumbai and with us. But I think he should have represented the country on more occasions.
“He won a couple of titles with Mumbai and with Vidarbha. It was a great learning experience for me personally. I have learnt a lot from him, on and off the field,” said Faiz. “We are really honoured to play with Wasimbhai who shared all his experience with us which helped us in reaching this far. He was a big positive for Vidarbha. The best is we all loved his work ethics. The way he trained, the way he batted and the way he carried himself on and off the field. It was really great learning experience for all of us,” added Fazal.
“Everyone says Wasimbhai is very hardworking, elegant and God-gifted cricketer but I think that is not enough. He is what he is because of his hardwork, his work ethics and dedication. We can’t calculate for how many hours he has batted. It’s because of his hardwork he has reached this far,” remarked Fazal.
Fazal remembered how Jaffer has helped him during crucial moments of a match. “His inputs were available all the time and he always spoke for team’s benefits. He has always guided me and I think his guidance will always be beneficial for me whenever I lead Vidarbha team again. He was like a big brother for me,” said Fazal. 
Fazal was aware of the void created but the skipper said that the team has learnt a lot when he was with them.

“I can’t say what will happen now after his departure. But one thing is sure that we all have learnt a lot from him. I am sure it won’t be easy for anybody to fill in his shoes but as we can see after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli came....,” Fazal concluded.
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I always loved his commitment. I always saw him unhappy after getting out...whether on a single digit or after scoring 200 runs. He would always think why he got out? It didn’t matter for him whether he had scored 200 runs. He always used to think ‘why I got out’. He was always hungry for runs. There was no celebration even after scoring those mountain of runs. He was not satisfied at any point while batting. He always used to think that he should have continued batting in the middle.”
— Anand Jaiswal, VCA President
“Wasim has played a very big role in Vidarbha’s success. He was a big help for the youngsters and entire team both on and off the field. I wanted to inculcate that (Mumbai) culture in Vidarbha cricketers and Wasim played the role of facilitator very well. He was a bridge between the youngsters and me. He was a huge support me.”

— Chandrakant Pandit, Vidarbha coach

Rani: From a frail Shahbad princess to Queen of Indian hockey

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT WAS October of 2010. The Indian women’s hockey team had just defeated Canada to finish fifth in the Commonwealth Games at Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi. At the Mixed Zone, yours truly waited for the young and energetic 15-year-old Rani Rampal for a few bytes. The youngest member of Indian women’s hockey team was too shy to give an ‘interview’, leave aside a few bytes. Reluctantly she stopped with a confused looking face which read ‘what would be the questions’.

When asked about her game and the match in which she scored the opening goal in India’s 3-0 win, the pint-sized girl said, “achcha khel tha. Bahut khush hu India jeet gaya (it was a good game, happy that India won the match).” 

Even before the next query was shot at, Rani ran away towards her other team-mates and disappeared in the bunch which had senior stars like Surinder Kaur, Ritu Rani, Deepika Thakur and Saba Anjum to name a few.

Since that day, this little princess from Shahbad in Kuruksherta, one of the 22 districts of Haryana, Rani has tread difficult paths, clearing obstacles on and off the field to become Queen of India as well as world hockey.

Rani has become an epitome of Indian women hockey with sheer grit and determination. She has emerged like a phoenix from a State where honour killing and women foeticide tops the chart, where girls are forced to stay behind closed doors.

Braving and beating all odds, Rani’s parents, despite financial constraints, never deprived her of her first love — hockey.

The Haryanvi girl started learning the tricks of trade as early as six years under renowned coach Dronacharya Award winner Baldev Singh at Shahbad Hockey Academy. But her entry to the Academy was not an easy one.

Rani was sent back home by Baldev for being too frail. Her parents did not lose hope. They took her to the academy again next day and after a few laps of running, Rani was admitted.

“The first thing that struck me was their poverty. But it wasn’t because she was poor or frail that I had declined. It’s just that as a rule we didn’t take any girl under eight. She was barely six, and looked even smaller. But she was so gifted that I had to relax the rule for her. And I am glad I did,” Baldev had told ‘The Indian Express’ in 2015.

Within years, Rani graduated to the Indian squad passing the ‘exams’ at the school nationals and Hockey India organised national championship. As it is said, rest is history.

Rani was a born fighter, a hard worker and a lass who won’t give up till the last drop of sweat. Her struggles are rooted deep inside her mind and heart. She has overcame many obstacles and that determination has helped Rani rise to a place in world hockey where she is now looked upon as a role model.

Rani’s winning goal in the dying moments during the Olympics qualifiers against the US last year is the testimony to the unbridled passion she brings to the game.

As she received the ball inside the semi-circle, Rani did not falter but controlled it after a fumble. Dribbling past a defender she latched a powerful hit into the net before falling onto her knees. That was the moment for Indian hockey as the team booked ticket to Tokyo 2020.

Rani is a versatile player, always ready to help the team. She falls back to help her defence and also doubles up as a midfielder when the occasion demands. She started as a striker but as days progressed she started playing as a midfielder too. Her agility and stamina is unmatched and she is one of the fittest players in the Indian squad. The way she dribbles past opponents is a treat to watch. With a full body sway, Rani foxes the opponents with utmost ease. Rani has a knack of reading opponents’ mind which helps her in thwarting rivals’ moves with her tackling skills.

The world hockey has started taking note of this talented Queen of Indian hockey and rated her as the best forwards in the world. The World Games Athlete of the Year award last month is the testimony to Rani’s growing stature in international hockey. She became the first-ever hockey player to win the prestigious award.

Even before this international recognition, the Indian Government bestowed her with Padmashri Award, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

From a frail girl from a nondescript Shahbad in Haryana to the Queen of Indian hockey, Rani has proved that challenges, obstacles, difficulties are merely in the mind. It’s the will that has to be strong to conquer the demons of negativity. The coronation as the best athlete in the world and Padma award are the best acknowledgments.

The inspirational journey of Rani Rampal to the top of world hockey will definitely inspire many to take sport and fight against odds.

Here’s how Nagpur will become a Sports Hub

By Paritosh Pramanik
Feb 1, 2020
THE ambitious Divisional Sports Complex expansion plan worth Rs 123 crore, announced by Sports and Youth Services Minister Sunil Kedar, will have international standard swimming pool, shooting range, hockey astro turf, a multipurpose sports indoor hall, a practice athletics track to name 
a few.
Though it would be a huge ask for the State Sports Department to generate Rs 123 crore for expansion, the designs submitted by the architects fulfill the need to make Nagpur a Sports Hub, as claimed by Kedar.
‘The Hitavada’ has in its possession designs proposed for Development and Construction of Various Sports Activities for Divisional Sports Complex at Mankapur, prepared by the architects of Design Cell.
The proposal also includes renovation of the present indoor hall.
“The entire wooden flooring, which is almost a decade old, will be replaced with synthetic floor during the renovation work of the indoor hall,” said Deputy Directory of Sports and Youth Services, Nagpur Subhash Rewatkar.
Sports facilities like one hockey astro turf ground, a shooting range (50 metres range), four basketball courts, an international standard swimming and diving pool, two volleyball courts, indoor wrestling, boxing and gymnastics courts, two courts for kho-kho, six courts of kabaddi, a squash court with sports science centres, six tennis courts, a golf court, a softball ground, a well equipped gymnasium and an athletic track for practice has been proposed in the expansion plan.
As per the abstract of infrastructure development, the hockey astro turf stadium will need around Rs 11.46 crore. This also includes flood lights and spectators galleries.
The multisports indoor hall will be constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 10.80 crore while the international standard swimming and diving pool will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore.
The synthetic athletics track for practice, which will be adjacent to the main synthetic track, will be built with an estimated cost of Rs 3.38 crore.
There is also a proposal of hostel building which will cost around Rs 3 crore. The sports hostel was proposed long back and it was supposed to come up at the Krida Prabodhini.
The shooting range will have 24 bays and will be constructed on 4499.764 sq.m of land. The hockey ground will be built on 6388.200 sq.m and four cement basketball courts will be built on 840 sq.m area. As per the proposed plan, the six open synthetic tennis courts with spectators stands will be built on a total area of 6933.439 sq.m with a block estimated cost of Rs 3.63 crore.
In a recently held meeting Nagpur Guardian Minister Anil Deshmukh asked the sports ministry as to how it will generate 123 crore. “The Guardian Minister has asked Divisional Commissioner to submit source of funding,” said an official.
According to Rewatkar, they will be demanding funds from Central Government’s Khelo India (Vision India) scheme. “We can get Rs 50 crore from Centre. There is a proposal to increase the grants to talukas, districts and divisions. If that is increased as proposed then we can get additional Rs 10 crore,” said Rewatkar.
Though Kedar has insisted that he would like to see the expansion of sports complex completed in 2020, its looks bleak in practicality due to paucity of funds.
One can only hope this expansion plan does not take another decade just like the present indoor stadium took during the tenure of then CM Vilasrao Deshmukh. Current Guardian Minister Anil Deshmukh was then Sports Minister of the State.

Hockey Pro League a good opportunity for India before Tokyo Games: Olympian Fernandes

By Paritosh Pramanik
Jan 12, 2020
HE MIGHT have hung his hockey stick more than a decade ago and now trades his tricks with a tennis racquet, but three-time Olympian Mervyn Fernandes’ heart still beats for his first love.
The Moscow Olympic gold winning forward feels that the Pro League Hockey Tournament, to be held at Bhubaneswar next week, will be a good preparation for Indian hockey team ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics later this year.
Eagerly waiting for his doubles match at the CP Club Tennis Court, Fernandes took out time for ‘The Hitavada’ on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.
“It will be a great tournament (Pro League) for us before the Olympics. Playing with a higher ranked team will definitely help us in preparing for the Tokyo event,” said Fernandes.
India will be playing two matches in the Pro League tournament against world Number 3 The Netherlands on January 18 and 19.
Fernandes felt that it was a good move to play top ranked teams before major tournament. “Earlier this (playing stronger teams) was not there. But now Hockey India has made it sure we play top teams of the world. This will definitely help us in future,” felt Fernandes who has played three Olympics — 1980 (Moscow), 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul).
“It will be two good matches against the Netherlands. I am sure Manpreet Singh-led side will give a tough fight to the Dutch team.
“Our fitness level has improved leaps and bounds and players are much fitter nowadays. This will help us in future tournaments, including Tokyo games,” added Fernandes, a 1992 Arjuna Award winner.
The former Indian forward said at present all the top 10 teams are excellent and can’t be taken for granted.
“All the top 10 ranked teams including Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany and even New Zealand are very tough. We can’t take any team for granted. All are capable of creating upsets. But I am sure India will definitely perform well,” hoped Fernandes.
Fernandes accepted that the Indian team has a habit of conceding goals in dying moments but was optimistic it will be changed soon.
“Yes, we have lost many crucial matches in major tournaments by conceding goals in the dying moments. Those minute lapses cost us match from strong position,” he added. “But I am sure that will change in coming years.”
On Hockey India’s recent diktat of One State One Unit, Fernandes said only players will suffer.
Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association will have to merge with Hockey Maharashtra if Hockey India remains firm on its stand.
“What is the purpose? Only players will suffer. You have to see the effect first. They say, state team will become more stronger. But I think it will not be the case. Some good players would not get selected and that would be harsh on them. We don’t want voting rights but we want our players to play and get national certificates,” he concluded.

VHA’s existence in danger, again

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE very existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), hockey governing body of Vidarbha, seems in danger, yet again. The Hockey India (HI) has once again reiterated its stand on ‘One State One Association’ citing Indian Olympic Association’s order for the National Sports Federations.
In 2009, when the Indian Olympic Association had formed Hockey India after dissolving Indian Hockey Federation, the issue of One State One Unit had come up. 
The then VHA President BC Bhartia and Secretary Vinod Gawai had presented their case in an excellent manner and had managed to convince Hockey India. VHA, along with several other associations, had then received Associate Membership of Hockey India.
However, Hockey India has once again raked up the issue and has mailed notices to 10 hockey Units including VHA asking them to merge with the State body. In VHA’s case, it, along with The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd, will have to merge with Hockey Maharashtra, which has its headquarters at Pune.
VHA’s merger with Hockey Maharashtra means it will be reduced to a district unit. The biggest sufferer will be the players who will have to fight for place in the Maharashtra squad.
At present VHA sends its teams (18 member) to Hockey India organised national championships.
The deadline given by HI to merge with State association is June 30, 2020.
“From July 1, 2020 onwards the membership of your unit with Hockey India will deemed to be withdrawn and you will be required to co-ordinate your sports activities related to hockey with respective the State Member,” the notice stated.
According to the HI circular issued on Monday, a copy of which is with ‘The Hitavada’, Hockey India has emphasised all the state associations to sync their functioning /structure with the Constitution of Indian Olympic Association (IOC).
The circular, signed by Cdr R K Shrivastava, VSM, Executive Director, Hockey India, has been addressed to President/General Secretary of Andhra Hockey Association, Hockey Madhya Bharat, Hockey Bhopal, Hockey Gangpur,- Odisha, Hockey Patiala, Bengaluru Hockey Association, Hockey Coorg, Hockey Him, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association.
Hockey India cited Clause 31.1.3 of IOA’s Constitution which stated: “The right to vote in any of the National Sports Federation is granted to those Associations that have only one Sports Association in one State for those sports. It implies, therefore, that in the field of Sports, it will be “One State, One Unit” and at the National level it will also be one unit (National Sports Federation) for one sport.”
The notice also stated that IOA has recently issued direction in this regard to Equestrian Federation of India.
The matter of bringing all state units in IOA Constitution was discussed in the HI Congress held in November 2019. “It was decided that henceforth Hockey India is also required to follow Clause 31.1.3 of IOA’s Constitution. As such there will henceforth be ‘One State, One Unit’ in Hockey India also. 
“It was also decided that the above decision will take effect from 1st July, 2020. Therefore, the teams of your unit will be permitted to participate in the scheduled events being conducted by Hockey India up to 30th June, 2020,” the letter 
stated.
This means VHA teams can participate in the forthcoming national championships for boys and girls which will be held before June 30, 2020. After that their existence, in all probability, will end.
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To save VHA, all members 

should come together: Sidhra

By Paritosh Pramanik

TO SAVE the existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) all members, including the 13 executive committee members, will now have to come together for the sake of players, felt Deputy Charity Commissioner-appointed VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra.
VHA, at present, is run by Administrator Sidhra after differences grew in the ruling 13-member body. 
Sidhra said he had talked with Hockey India Executive Director Cdr RK Shrivastava, VSM on the precarious situation. “I had a talk with Cdr Shrivastava and he has asked me to send our grievances and reason for not merging with Hockey Maharashtra. I have even talked with other Units like Mumbai, Andhra and a few others. We will chalk out a plan and submit our reports,” Sidhra told ‘The Hitavada’.
“But before that I want all members of VHA to iron out their differences and come together to save existence of the association. This is very crucial time for the association and bickering among ourselves will only harm our efforts to save VHA,” said Sidhra.
Sidhra also claimed that Hockey Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore has never invited them for any meeting. “I have not talked with Mr Bhore. We were never invited to attend any meeting of Hockey Maharashtra,” he said.
Hockey India has given time to ‘associate’ units till June 30, 2020 and Sidhra said they will find out some way to convince HI.
“It’s almost six months for us to save our association. We have to present our case with a powerful draft. We will have to show how VHA is working for the development of the game since more than 60 years,” said Sidhra.

“But this will be possible only if all the stakeholders keep their egos away and come together. Moreover, they should think about the players who would be the biggest losers,” Sidhra signed off.

NDFA’s Dr Ambedkar Stadium taking shape

By Paritosh Pramanik
January 3, 2020
IF ALL goes well, football in city will have a new destination from coming season. Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has started developing its ground — Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium, situated at Suyog Nagar in North Nagpur, on 
war-footing.
A lush green lawn turf will be in offing within a couple of months.
After NDFA got the piece of land from Nagpur Improvement Trust last year, the association wasted no time in developing it. The ground will help the game of football grow in the city, specially in North Nagpur.
‘The Hitavada’ visited the ‘site’ where around 70 per cent of the playing area is relaid with lawn grass. The playing area is secured with around 10-foot high chain fencing which will help protect the grass turf.
The ground has been levelled and proper slope has been carried out to drain out rain water.
Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium will also house NDFA offices in future. It will have President’s and Secretary’s cabins apart from separate changing rooms for boys and girls, officials’ cabin and a conference hall.
NDFA President Haresh Vora said work is likely to be completed by March 2020.
“The development work is going on war-footing and the stadium will be ready by March,” said  Vora. “Due to court cases the development work has been delayed,” he added.
NDFA is investing around Rs 60 lakh for the construction of ground and stadium. “Till now we have spent around Rs 40 lakh. We will be spending another Rs 20 lakh from our (NDFA) pockets. To construct a world class stadium with spectators galleries we need around Rs 7-8 crore,” informed Vora.
The association is also trying to extend the lease of the ground which is at present of 15 years. “We are trying to get the lease extended for 30 years. If we get our lease extended we can get funds from government. Several corporate houses including JSW and MOIL are ready to help us in constructing a beautiful stadium,” said Vora. “For residents of Suyog Nagar, we have kept the gates open so that they can use the green gym and the walking track. We have not stopped anybody from entering the ground. Only the playing area is covered as it has Bermuda grass,” said Vora.
It was a long-cherished dream of football fraternity of the region to have its own soccer field.
Their dreams, it seems, are coming true. n

NDFA’s Club House proposal gathers pace

Special General Meeting to approve the constitution for Club House on Dec 22

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE proposal of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) of having its own Club House has gathered pace with the association calling a Special General Meeting to approve the Constitution.
The Special General Meeting is scheduled to be held on December 22, it has been learnt.
A notice for the same has been dispatched to all the life members of the association.
A proposal for NDFA’s Club House had been incorporated in the association’s Constitution a few years back. However, it was kept on the back-burner as the football governing body of the district did not have its own playfield or land. Now with the NIT providing a piece of land to the association in Suyog Nagar, NDFA has decided to frame a Constitution for Club House.
“It’s at a very nascent stage. Several years ago when we amended our Constitution we incorporated construction of Club House for our privileged members,” said an NDFA official.
“The idea is to prepare a lush green football field at the Suyog Nagar ground and at the same time start construction of Club House which would help the association raise funds for the maintenance of ground,” said the official.
When contacted, NDFA president Haresh Vora confirmed the development but said it was at a very initial stage.
“It is at a very inceptive stage now. Yes, we have called a special meeting to approve the Constitution of the Club House on December 22. We want to keep the Constitution ready for future. Once all the court cases (on the land) are cleared we would try to speed up the process,” Vora informed ‘The Hitavada.’
Vora, who is also the Vice-President of Western India Football Association (WIFA) said, “If all goes well, we will try to rope in some big firms on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis to run the Club House. It would help us in generating funds for maintaining the ground and running the association.”
According to sources, the life members will get privileged membership of Club House at a discounted rate. “We would make sure that the life members get their due. They would be incorporated as Club House members at a very nominal rate,” said the source.
Vora said there would be a separate body that would run the Club but it will be governed by the NDFA.
“The NDFA executive committee will have all the decision making powers. The Club House’s elected body will take their decision and will convey it to the NDFA executive committee which would then confirm/reject it,” said Vora.