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By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Oct 10
AFTER missing the bus for four continuous years, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University’s men’s hockey team made it a point not to let it slip this time as they qualified for the prestigious All India Inter-University hockey tournament. The all India meet will be held at Hyderabad in November.
In the Central Zone inter-university tournament, under way at Sambalpur in Odisha, Nagpur University boys dazzled on the green turf thrashing one team after another to book the all India berth with aplomb. The performance of Nagpur team is more praiseworthy
RTMNU hockey team qualifies...
as the selection process was questioned by a few people.
The team, led by Ganesh Kawle, showed great co-ordination that helped them in clinching the coveted spot for all India meet.
Last time, it was under the leadership of Gaurav Shukla Nagpur University team had qualified for the all India meet at Gwalior in 2008. That was after 27 long years, when the Nagpur team made the all India meet for the first time. Under the leadership of Valentine George Nagpur University had qualified for the All India inter-varsity meet in 1981-82.
At Sambalpur, Nagpur University team remained unbeatable throughout the knock-out round.
In their first match, RTMNU thrashed Vikram University, Ujjain 10-0. Sakib Rahim (2), Shahbaz Pathan (2) Savio Francis, Rakesh Sukhdeve, Tushar Venchilwar, and Asif Rahim (one each) were the scorers.
The second match, too, was no different as Nagpur drubbed the formidable Jiwaji University, Gwalior 6-1.
They faced a stiff resistance from Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar but ended victors via sudden death with a 3-1 verdict.
Nagpur University rounded off the knock-out round with a huge 8-0 win over Bilaspur University with Shahbaz Pathan slamming the board thrice. The other scorers were Sukhdeve, Wasim, Sakib and Sharvilak Bhimte.
Shahbaz Pathan was the top scorer with nine goals. Defender Fahi Syed was rock solid in defence while goal-keeper Mohsin Pathan made some fine saves.
Sakib Rahim and Rakesh Sukhdeve did well in the midfield which helped the forwards in banging the target. Harish Mohite is the coach of Nagpur University team.
Nagpur team is currently playing position matches at the same venue where they have lost their first match to Bhopal but bounced back in their second encounter defeating Raipur University 3-1.
They will play their last league match against Sambalpur University on Friday.
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The team: Mohsin Pathan (GK, RS Bidkar College, Hinganghat), Fahim F Sayyed (Jyotiba College of Phy Edu), Sagar Kale (RS Bidkar College, Hinganghat), Wasim Khan (Jyotiba College of Phy Edu), Ganesh Kalwe (GTM College, Lakhandur), Rakesh Sukhdeve (Ashok Moharkar Mv, Adyal), Asif Rahim (Jyotiba College of Phy Edu), Sharvilak Bhimte (SKP College, Kamptee) Shakib Rahim (Jyotiba College of Phy Edu), Harshan Linganwar (SKP College, Kamptee), Savio Francis (Hislop College) Prassanna Motghare (SKP College, Kamptee), Rakesh Kumar (Ishwar Deshmukh Phy Edu), Tushar Venchilwar (SKP College, Kamptee), Anup Barva (Ishwar Deshmukh Phy Edu), Mohd Sahbaz Pathan (Jyotiba College Phy Edu), Nikhil Gotaphode (GK, Ashok Moharkar Mv, Adyal), Saurabh Kolhe (JM Patel College, Bhandara).
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 9
IT WAS not only below-par performance but also his unimpressive coaching style that forced Hockey India and Sports Authority of India to sack chief coach Michael Nobbs.
Barring the Asian Champions Trophy, qualifying for the London Olympics and a fourth place finish at the Champions Trophy, Australian Nobbs had hardly done anything worthwhile to galvanise the sagging fortunes of Indian hockey. After just two years out of his five-year contract with Hockey India, the Australian, who was rated highly at the time of his appointment, has been unceremoniously sacked as coach due to non-performance.
Hockey India secretary general Narinder Batra, in a statement, said that Nobbs’ contract has been terminated and is presently serving a one-month notice period. Roelant Oltmans, who is currently the High Performance Manager, has been given charge of the team until a new coach is appointed.
Olympian Maharaj Kishan Kaushik is the front-runner for the top job. Nobbs became the fourth foreign coach to be shown the door before completion of full tenure after Australian Ric Charlesworth, German Gerhard Rach and Spaniard Jose Brasa were sacked midway.
Sources said it was not only Nobbs’ performance but his mediocre style of coaching also became a reason for his sacking.
Several current players who played under Nobbs said the Australian brought nothing new and wanted only attacking hockey like the Australians play. Players, too, were not happy with Nobbs as he had communication problems with players non-English speaking players.
“He was a normal coach. He was never exceptional nor gave any special tips to us,” one of the players on condition of anonymity told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Nobbs only wanted us to play attacking hockey like the Australians. He was a simple coach and had very limited interaction with players. His communication skills too were poor,” the forward added. Another senior player, who was part of Indian team at London Olympics, said that Nobbs only complicated things.
“There was hardly any new style or movement he taught us as coach. I would rate Jose Brasa much higher than Nobbs. Brasa was exceptional. He brought several new things. Brasa changed players’ position and made them much better than what they used to be. The best example is Sardara Singh. He played as a defender, as a forward and now is world’s best midfielder. It’s all because of Brasa. Nobbs did nothing like that,” said the forward.
“Rather Dutchman Roelant Oltmans (who has been appointed incharge of the team till new coach is appointed) has brought a few new things to the team. He left linkmen free and has asked them to play their own game. It’s just few months and I think Oltmans would bring more good changes to the team,” said the player, who played more than 100 international matches.
Arjun Halappa, one of the great Indian midfielders and newly appointed selector of Indian senior team, said that Hockey India might have taken the decision looking at the future.
“It is a practical decision. Nobbs has not performed upto the expectations for last two years. Hockey India might have taken a tough decision looking at the future of Indian hockey,” said Halappa from Bangalore.
“I won’t call it’s a decision in a haste but yes they should have taken into consideration the immediate tournament, Asia Cup which would be very important for India to qualify for World Cup to be held in The Netherlands,” said Halappa.
Halappa also endorsed other players’ views that Nobbs hardly brought anything new to Indian hockey, “India, though, qualified for Olympics, finished with a wooden spoon in London. At World League we finished sixth. There are hardly any major victories under Nobbs. India’s performance has gone down drastically under him,” he mentioned.
“Unlike Brasa, under whom I played a lot of international matches, Nobbs was less interactive. Brasa treated us like a family. He used to mingle with us, joke with us and was very open in expressing his views. I don’t think Nobbs was that open with players,” the India selector said.
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Elections to be held as per 2005 voters’ list only
Principal Correspondent
IN A major jolt to the ruling Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) body, the Supreme Court has dismissed the Special Leave Petition challenging the order passed by the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court to hold association’s elections as per 2005 voters’ list.
Supreme Court verdict means VHA would be forced to hold its elections as per the voters’ list of 2005.
The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, on September 3, 2012, had asked the Deputy Charity Commissioner to hold VHA elections as per the voters’ list of 2005. VHA had challenged the decision and approached Supreme Court in February.
In 2005, VHA had conducted its elections after a gap of 18 years. At that time it had 316 voters (271 life members, 45 schools/colleges/affiliated units).
VHA life member DS Karunashankar, a retired district judge, had challenged VHA’s voters’ list after Deputy Charity Commissioner declared “the 2005 and 2006 elected body illegal.”
The Deputy Charity Commissioner had set aside and declared the elected body of year 2005 and 2006 as illegal as the Constitution was not amended. Karunashankar then filed an application with the Deputy Charity Commissioner requesting to hold elections as per the 1962 Constitution which states that elections should be held every year. At that time there were 271 life members and 45 affiliated units.
On 23-5-2011 Deputy Charity Commissioner appointed an election officer and ordered to conduct the trust’s (VHA) election within three months as per the 2005 voters’ list. But the Deputy Charity Commissioner modified the judgment by an impugned order dated 28-6-11 holding that members validly enrolled till the date of elections could be the voters in the said elections.
Karunashankar appealed in High Court and the division bench consisting Vasanti Naik and SP Deshmukh in their observation said that the order dated 28.6.11 was passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment of 23-5-11 was modified and passed behind the back of the petitioner.
“It appears that the judgment dated 23-5-11 was modified by Deputy Charity Commissioner by the impugned order dated 28-6-11 and it was held by the Deputy Charity Commissioner in the said order that the members validly enrolled till the date of the election could be the voters in the said election.
“It also appears from the order as also hearing counsel for the parties that the impugned order is passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment dated 23-5-2011 is modified,” the bench said in its observation while setting aside the order.
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I accept SC’s decision but
elections not that easy: Gawai
VIDARBHA Hockey Association secretary Vinod Gawai accepted the Supreme Court’s order and said he would abide by the Apex court’s judgement. “This is Supreme Court’s decision and every Indian citizen has to follow it,” said Gawai while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
But Gawai also hinted that VHA elections, if held, would not be a smooth affair. “As per Supreme Court’s orders, Deputy Charity Commissioner has no right to declare the validity of voters. Patrons and life members who become part of VHA after 2005 are prepared to challenge this decision of Deputy Charity Commissioner in court of law.
“There are several Supreme Court decisions which states that Deputy Charity Commissioner has no power to decide number of voters of any association or trust. As far as elections are concerned I, personally, am ready for elections. I am confident of winning, be it 271 or 300 voters,” Gawai averred.
By Paritosh Pramanik
TO SAVE its existence and for a better of its players and officials, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) finally joined Hockey India as an associate member.
The major decision to part ways with Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and join hands with Hockey India, the game governing body in the country, was taken by VHA recently. Since Hockey India came into existence in 2008, VHA, several times, declined the offer given by HI.
But looking at the future of their players as well as officials, VHA decided to toe in line with other units like Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Hockey Bhopal and Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd to name a few. With this affiliation VHA became the 12th association to get associated membership of HI.
With VHA getting Hockey India affiliation, its team would now be eligible to take part in all national level tournaments organised by Hockey India.
Similarly, the officials, umpires and other members would also be eligible to take part in all programmes, tournaments, seminars conducted by Hockey India.
“The decision was taken a few days back. VHA is now an associated member of Hockey India,” said Narinder Batra, secretary, Hockey India, while taking with ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from New Delhi.
Batra said “the official confirmation would be made on June 11 after our rectification meeting.”
“VHA would not have voting right in Hockey India but more importantly its players would be able to participate in HI organised tournaments.
“Till now, they (VHA) were not allowed to participate as they were not our members,” said Batra.
VHA president BC Bhartia said the decision to join Hockey India was taken after lot of thinking. “We have to save our existence. There was no point in keeping this association just for the sake of it. We wanted our players to play national meets. Hockey India is running the game in the country and their certificates hold importance. That’s why we decided to take associated membership of Hockey India.”
Vinod Gawai, secretary, VHA said it is a great moment for all those related with VHA.
“The most important is that our players would now be able to participate in Hockey India nationals. We took this decision for the better future of our players,” said Gawai.
“Our jurisdiction would be same as it was. We have all 22 districts affiliated with us,” added Gawai.
Sale of nomination forms begins today
By Paritosh Pramanik
DP MITRA, a father figure in city football who is also known as Dada Mitra, will continue to head the all important and powerful Advisory Committee of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA).
According to sources, NDFA top officials have decided to retain Mitra for the coveted post for another term of five years.
The elections of NDFA are scheduled to be held on May 12. Sale of nomination forms begins on Sunday at NDFA office from 6 pm. The last date of filing of nomination form
is May 9.
There are two likely changes in five-member committee with Pradeep Nagarkar, Ratan Masih and Ashok Raut filling in the posts.
Masih had resigned after being selected as secretary. Tarun Gedam and late GV Badjate were the other members of the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee has power to supervise the NDFA executive committee and, if need arises, has power to take over the functioning of NDFA executive body.
The Advisory Committee was selected by the council. Only those members who have served football for at least ten years can become a part of Advisory Committee.
There is all probability of a unanimous elections to all posts of office bearers of NDFA with Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh retaining the president’s post.
As per NDFA constitution, there will be no election for secretary’s post. “The executive committee nominates a secretary who is called as ‘Secretary of President’s Secretriat’. Eugene Norbert’s name is almost final for secretary’s post,” said one of the top NDFA officials.
Similarly, Iqbal Kashmiri will be the candidate for treasurer’s post.
There is also a possibility of re-jigging in five vice-presidents’ posts. Haresh Vora, Salim Baig, Abdul Latif are sure of retaining their posts. “Remaining two slots will see some new faces,” the official added.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR District Football Association (NDFA), the football governing body of the city, will once again put their whole-hearted trust and support in their very own ‘Santa Claus’ Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh and re-elect him as the president of the association for one more term.
The elections of NDFA has been announced recently and will be held on May 12 after the annual general meeting at its Vora Complex office off Kamptee Road.
The new body will be elected for a term of two years.
According to sources, there is hardly any opposition to Atal Bahadur and in all probability will be re-elected as the chief of the association. “Without any doubt Atal Bahadur will remain as the president,” said a source while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.
There are likely to be a few changes in the 23-member executive committee with names of former secretary Iqbal Kashmiri and Abdul Bari being discussed for the treasurer’s post. At present Karamchand Chaurasia is the treasurer of the association. Chaurasia and Eugene Norbert’s names are doing rounds for the coveted post of general secretary. “The decision on the entire proposed body would be taken in next few days,” said a top NDFA official
on condition of anonimity.
There is also a possibility of re-jigging in five vice-presidents posts. Haresh Vora, Salim Baig, Abdul Latif are sure of retaining their posts. “Remaining two slots will see some new faces,” the official added.
With the present committee too powerful there will hardly be any opposition and the body would be elected unopposed, felt another official.
“Everybody’s name would be considered and I am sure a unanimously elected body will rule for next two years,” he hoped.
The nomination forms will be available at the NDFA office from May 5 to 7 while date for filing of nomination form will be May 5 and May 6. The scrutiny will be done on May 9 while the date of withdrawal is May 10. The list of contesting candidates will be displayed at the NDFA office on May 11 and the elections, if needed, will be held on May 12 with voting between 12 noon and 3.30 pm.
The 23-member body will have one president, five vice-presidents, one secretary, one assistant secretary, one joint secretary, one treasurer, one assistant treasurer and 11 executive members.
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By Paritosh Pramanik
BETUL, Mar 16
IF BETUL is searched on Google one is guided to a small district in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh. The 2001 census (as per Google) shows a thin population of around 83,000. But a few die-hard hockey lovers of this nondescript place did something unthinkable, unimaginable, something which no one did in India.
To celebrate 38 years of hockey World Cup win, Hemant Dubey, in support with Pratidhwani Sanstha and Kantishiva Theatre, procured a CD of the final match between India and Pakistan played at Malaysia on March 15, 1975. They invited members of that gold-winning Indian team and showed them the entire match on 70mm screen making it a ‘Friday Blockbuster’.
Ashok Kumar, Aslam Sher Khan, Onkar Singh, BP Govinda, Ashok Diwan, Leslie Fernandes and VJ Phillips made it a point to celebrate the triumph by reaching Betul and they watched the ‘First Day First Show’. The icing on the cake was added by Afaque Ahmed, a railway employee from Jhansi and a commentator, who added Hindi commentary of the match a day before it was shown. The match CD had Malaysian commentary but the young Afaque did the commentary as if it was done live, 38 years ago.
Not a single member, present in the hall, had ever seen the recording of that match ever. They might be remembering every second of that 70-minute epic final and might have narrated them on ‘n’ number of times, to media, to friends and to players. But never in their life, for 38 long years, they got a chance to witness how they played, how they tackled, how they dribbled, and above all…how they celebrated the triumph on that hot and humid day at Kuala Lumpur stadium. “It is something unique. It’s (the CD) a treasure....priceless,” said Ashok Kumar while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.
Some 2000-odd spectators, along with hockey stars, present at Kantishiva Cinema Hall were taken 38 years back in Malaysia where our hockey heroes turned lucky, on third attempt, winning the trophy after missing the gold at 1971 (bronze) and 1973 (silver) World Cups. The 70-minute ‘Friday Blockbuster’ at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ brought tears of joy, not only to the eyes of players but also to those who were not even born, and who had only heard about that historic triumph.
It was as if sitting in a Time Machine, going several years back. The match was recorded in black and white. Those were the days where wooden goal posts were used and matches were played on ‘chat’ or lawn grounds with white balls. The sticks were less curved at the bottom and had wide blades.
All the ‘young’ players looked smart in creased shirts and knickers. A slim goal-keeper Ashok Diwan’s thin legs were covered with caned pads with cotton kickers stitched along, the hand gloves were barely helpful to save his palm and fingers. No helmets, no chest guard, no thigh pant and no elbow guards. The protection was limited to bare minimum. he present bald BP Govinda looked the most handsome of all with stylish hairstyle. So did defender Aslam Sher Khan, tall, smart and fair. Captain Ajitpal Singh, VJ Phillips, Ashok Kumar, Shivaji Pawar and all others looked fit as fiddle. All the players sat in the middle row amidst public to see the match. At times, they felt embarrassed when were tackled. But on most of the occasions, their chest grew wider when they saw themselves beating a Pakistani player.
The entire match was fast-paced, a rarity now-a-days. Even after 38 years, that match had a gripping effect on those present in hall. BP Govinda and Ashok Kumar were simply outstanding in the centre. Watching them dribbling, passing with a tap and running at an unimaginable speed was a treat to watch. They were the two who made most of the threatening moves.
Ajitpal Singh looked robust and hard worker who ran front to help forwards Shivaji Pawar, VJ Phillips and others and at the same time was quick to support Aslam Sher Khan and Surjit Singh in defence clearing the ball with his long reach.
Aslam Sher Khan clearly was the best defender of the match, thwarting Pakistan forwards’ moves several times. On Friday, Aslam Sher Khan, sitting besides Ashok Kumar, nodded in dejection when Mohd Zahid scored from the left to put Pakistan ahead in the first half.
But the smiles were back when their team-mate Surjit Singh converted a penalty corner. They all gestured in appreciation after Surjit’s cracking hit stormed into the board as scores read 1-1.
However, the best shot of the ‘movie’ was when Ashok Kumar got a pat on his shoulder from Aslam Sher Khan and shook hands after Kumar had pushed the ball across the goal line off a melee to put India ahead (2-1)!
For the first time spectators saw how Ashok Kumar celebrated his goal. Immediately after scoring, he ran towards India’s half. Defender Surjit Singh kissed him and so did Shivaji Pawar while captain Ajitpal Singh hugged him, with a sigh of relief. Ashok Kumar, wearing jersey number 17, raised his hands heaven wards as cameras got locked on him to capture the defining moment. The son of hockey legend Dhyanchand took a short but fast stroll on the field moving forward and returning back like a triumphant tiger after killing his prey.
The hall reverberated with ‘Bharat mata ki jai’ even though there were still several minutes left in the match. They were aware of the result. In the dying minutes ’keeper Ashok Diwan invited a huge applause when he made a daring save advancing and stopping Pakistan’s Akhtar Rasool’s hit from right with those bare minimum protective gears.
Indian supporters ran onto the field as umpire blew the final hooter. The 1975 heroes wiped their misty eyes and the hall echoed with applause which was followed by a long felicitation function where the players received one of the prized and most sought gift—the final match CDs.
Harendra Singh, Olympians, Jalaluddin Rizvi, Jamsher, Mukhbain SIngh, Deepak James, Yusuf were also felicitated.
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A silent cinema hall
THE Kantishiva Cinema Hall in Betul turned into an ‘indoor hockey stadium’ where the 1975 World Cup final between India and Pakistan was replayed. The atmosphere was unlike any movie hall as every one present there, players, women and kids, watched the history-making game with pin-drop silence. The usual comments during a movie were eschewed as the excited lot kept glued to then fascinating action. The mobile phones too were silent, a complete rarity! Mobile lights did go on but it was only to click glimpses of the match on screen. It was one film that was to be savoured for eternity. —Paritosh Pramanik
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INDIA’S FINAL XI (WITH JERSEY NUMBERS):
Ashok Diwan-2 (goal-keeper), Aslam Sher Khan-5, Surjeet Singh-4, Varinder Singh-6, Ajitpal Singh-7, (captain), Mohinder Singh-8, VJ Phillips-10, Ashok Kumar-17, S R Pawa-16, B P Govinda-11, Harcharan Singh-15.
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By Paritosh Pramanik
EIGHT-TIME Olympic gold medalist India might be going through the worst phase with last-place finish in London Olympics but the fact is the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is surviving only because of India. India has money power and that is why FIH is allotting so many tournaments to India, stated former India hockey coach Harendra Singh.
Harendra made a pit stop in the city on Friday morning on way to Betul for the felicitation and get-together of 1975 Hockey World Cup winning team.
“FIH is surviving only because of India. It is earning handsomely in India by allotting major international events,” Harendra said while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
India will be hosting Junior World Cup and World League final by end of this year.
The former coach said India should take advantage of FIH’s inclination towards India and develop game in the country. “The international body is minting money in our country. We should take advantage of it and develop infrastructure and set up a Research and Development Department with its help. FIH knows it cannot survive without India’s support. We should mark pockets at different parts of the country and set up high performance centres with top class facilities.”
Despite India’s ouster from the final race at the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia Harendra felt the youngsters would be a force to reckon with in the Junior World Cup.
“I am very happy with the juniors playing in Malaysia. If we keep the results aside, the players have performed exceedingly well so far in the tournament. Hockey India’s move to send a second string team will help us in longer run. We will be hosting Junior World Cup by the end of this year and this set of players will make the team. So, playing together for almost a year will only help India in the World Cup,” Harendra said.
“India’s investment will also help us in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The seniors won’t be around then and these junior players would be part of the Indian team.
“In 2010 World Cup, the average age of German team was 24 years. They won the title and last year emerged as Olympics champions,” Harendra said.
Asked about foreign coach Harendra cited examples of winners of World Series Hockey and Hockey India League. “If you remember, WSH and HIL were won by teams coached by Indians. So I think there is enough potential in an Indian to coach the national team.”
However, he advocated the need of a coach for coaches at grassroots level.
Harendra said India have a bright chance to qualify for the World Cup. India would be playing the Hockey World League III in Holland who will also host the World Cup next year.
“India have a bright chance of qualifying for World Cup in Holland. Three spots would be up for grab in the third phase. India will have to reach semis to make it to the World Cup. It would have been tougher had we got pitted with Malaysia. They are very tough in their own backyard,” he explained.
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By Paritosh Pramanik
“GONE are the days when hockey was known by its artistry. Today, it has become a hit-and-run game. Only the fittest can survive on the green turf. The reason for India’s downfall is that players lack fitness, speed and stamina,” said three-time Olympian Padmashri Ajitpal Singh while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on the sidelines of Gafoorbhai memorial hockey tournament at Dr Ambedkar College ground, on Thursday.
The World Cup winning Indian captain said Europeans were way ahead of India in fitness and stamina. “They (Dutch, Germans and even Australians) are very fit and work very hard on their stamina. They play with great speed.
“In India we lack all the three qualities. We should develop speed from grassroots level. This game is too slow,” Ajitpal said pointing to the match between Dr Ambedkar College Sports Academy and Athletic Club.
The former centre-half ducked questions on need of foreign coach. “After Olympics debacle, India have done well in Champions Trophy and Asian Champions Trophy under (Michael) Nobbs...It’s upto you (media) to decide,” said Ajitpal.
“A coach should talk with players as much as he can. Then only he can know a player inside out. He should get personal with them and should discuss vital, including personal, problems,” he suggested.
Ajitpal said Hockey India should send Indian coaches to China and other countries to learn coaching. Indian coaches have talent but need to be fine-tuned. I think they can become world famous coaches,” he opined.
The former Border Security Force player gave a thumbs up to Hockey India League and said it brought money in the game.
“Today Sardar Singh is getting Rs 45 lakh...When was last time a hockey player had earned this much of money in a short span? Hockey India must be thanked for their initiative. And the tournament too was a huge success. I was manager with Delhi Waveriders. People’s response at each and every venue was overwhelming,” said Ajitpal.
Lamenting the bottom place finish at Olympics, Ajitpal called it a “disgraceful moment” in Indian history but added that things have changed in last few months.
On the Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation feud Ajitpal said they should come together and sort out the differences. “The game has suffered a lot and this bickering should end.”
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Of yellow card and memories
By Paritosh Pramanik
HOCKEY umpire Gurumurthy Pillay might have officiated his last international match decades ago but there are several international stars who still remember this ‘no-nonsense’ umpire.
On Thursday, three-time Olympian Ajitpal Singh was pleasantly surprised to see ‘Guru Anna’ at Dr Ambedkar College ground where he was invited to inaugurate a tournament. Ajitpal recounted how he was yellow-carded by Pillay during the World Cup hockey in Bombay in 1982.
“Ajitpal committed a foul which was unpardonable and I had to suspend him with a yellow card. After that incident we met on quite a few occasions, at some tournaments, at railway stations, at airports...and Ajitpal always recalled that incident,” said Pillay while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
The two were seen reminiscing memories of old matches. Pillay also inquired about former stars of Indian hockey.
The duo told this scribe that at one time Indian hockey had nine players from Border Security Force. “We were so dominant in those days that in a few tournaments we had almost our entire BSF team. Once there were nine players on the field,” narrated Ajitpal.
Yerawar is back on hockey field after life threatening accident
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Oct 7, 2012
APART from their Sikh origin there is one more thing common with Jugraj Singh, Sandeep Singh, and Baljeet Singh. All these Indian hockey stars have defeated death after freak accidents and returned to the field. Though this hockey player from Vidarbha is not in the same category, he definitely shares the same league. He too has seen death but survived to tell the tale.
Ananta Yerawar, a 21-year-old hockey player from Brahmapuri, has seen death from close quarters. He defeated it to be back on the hockey field.
Yerawar, lynchpin of Brahmapuri Taluka Hockey Association, defied all odds and proved that if one has willpower, then one can overcome any challenge.
Those who had seen Yerawar on that frightful November night last year — lying on hospital bed with bloodied face, broken jaw, and internal injuries — would have never thought that he will be back on hockey field in less than a year.
Yerawar met with this life-threatening accident when his bike slipped and he, along with his friend, crashed into an iron dustbin in his hometown Brahmapuri.
“It was November 19 last year, eight days after I celebrated my 21st birthday. I was returning with my team-mate Vinod Pradhan after closing my shop in Khristanand square when my bike slipped and rammed into an iron dustbin lying at the corner of the road. My friend died on the spot (he came to know that a month later). And I was in coma,” Yerawar told ‘The Hitavada’ after his team Tukaramdas Mahavidyalaya’s win in RTMNU’s inter-college tournament at Dr Ambedkar College ground.
The midfielder, who also played for Dr Ambedkar College in 2010 (studied B.com I), was immediately rushed to KRIMS Hospital the same night. “For a few days I was in coma. My jaw was completely broken. I couldn’t eat and drink. It was very painful,” recalled Yerawar.
“I was in hospital for 15 days. My four broken teeth were fixed again. Then I went to Hyderabad for a jaw surgery. Slowly, I started gaining strength,” Yerawar added.
On the hospital bed Yerawar was fighting a distressing mental battle. “I used to think whether I would be able to play hockey again. Many times I got depressed. But I kept on motivating myself that one day everything would be fine.
“A player has to be a fighter, be it on the field or off it…and I was no different. I never let my emotions take control over my body. My parents, specially my mother (Jyoti), supported me a lot. She gave me the courage. It’s because of her that I am back on the field today,” he said.
The return to field took some time. “It’s been just four months I have started playing.”
An internal knee injury was very painful. Doctors advised him physiotherapy and meditation. He also started yoga.
During recovery Yerawar’s mind was always on hockey. “There was a state-level tournament in Brahmapuri. My brother used to take me to the ground. There my friends motivated me. ‘The midfield is still vacant. We want you back,’ they said. Those words motivated me,” said Yerawar, who has played three school nationals and represented Vidarbha in Under-14, U-16, U-19 and U-21 categories.
After a dedicated rehab, Yerawar picked the stick in May this year. Here, in this meet, he used all his experience to score four goals against the mighty Hislop.
The jaw operation has left a scar on his face but Yerawar is not bothered. “I will be going to Bhilai for plastic surgery. Everything will be fine,” Yerawar signed off.
He has conquered death but there are several on-field wars yet to be won.
Deputy Charity Commissioner’s order set aside
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, on September 3, 2012, has ordered Deputy Charity Commissioner to hold the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) elections as per the voters’ list of 2005.
In 2005, VHA had conducted its elections after a gap of 18 years. At that time it had 316 voters (271 life members, 45 schools/colleges/affiliated units).
It may be recalled that VHA life member DS Karunashankar, a retired district judge, had challenged VHA’s voters’ list after Deputy Charity Commissioner declared “the 2005 and 2006 elected body illegal.”
“The Deputy Charity Commissioner had set aside and declared the elected body of year 2005 and 2006 as illegal. Their constitution too has not been amended,” said Karunashankar.
“I filed an application with the Deputy Charity Commissioner requesting to hold elections as per the 1962 Constitution which states that elections should be held every year. At that time there were 271 life members and 45 affiliated units,” he mentioned.
On 23-5-2011 Deputy Charity Commissioner appointed an election officer and ordered to conduct the trust’s (VHA) election within three months as per the 2005 voters list.
But the Deputy Charity Commissioner modified the judgment by an impugned order dated 28-6-11 holding that members validly enrolled till the date of elections could be the voters in the said elections.
The division bench consisting Vasanti Naik and SP Deshmukh in their observation said, “It appears that the judgment dated 23-5-11 was modified by Deputy Charity Commissioner by the impugned order dated 28-6-11 and it was held by the Deputy Charity Commissioner in the said order that the members validly enrolled till the date of the election could be the voters in the said election.
The bench said the order dated 28.6.11 was passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment of 23-5-11 was modified and passed behind the back of the petitioner.
“It also appears from the order as also hearing counsel for the parties that the impugned order is passed without hearing the parties concerned and the judgment dated 23-5-2011 is modified. The Deputy Charity Commissioner could not have modified the judgment by the impugned order dated 28-6-2011 without hearing the petitioner, more so, as by the judgment dated 23-5-2011 the Deputy Charity Commissioner had allowed the application filed by the petitioner under section 41A of the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 and directed that the election be conducted on the basis of the members enrolled till the year 2005. Since the order is passed behind the back of the petitioner the same is liable to be set aside, the court ordered.
Adv Bhanudas Kulkarni appeared for the petitioner while Adv SS Sirsat and Adv NS Rao appeared for the respondents.
India’s most renowned commentator recalls his golden days
By Paritosh Pramanik
SOME names need no introduction. They became a synonym for their trade. Anyone who grew up listening to Hindi music would not need an introduction for Mohd Rafi, Kishor Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. They were institutions by themselves. One such name, Jasdev Singh, though not related to Indian film industry, is in the same league but in the business of commentary.
In his several decades old career, Jasdev has been decorated with several titles — ‘Voice of India’, ‘The King of Commentary, ‘Pioneer of Hindi Commentary’, ‘Guru of Hindi Commentary’, A Broadcasting Legend’ and ‘Mr Commentary India’. Every Indian has spent several winters listening to his Independence Day and Republic Day parade commentaries.
One might not be listening to him since past few years but as the name Jasdev Singh pops up during discussion, memories of his commentaries, be it of Independence Day, R-Day or hockey matches or athletics refreshes one’s minds. ‘Mai Jasdev Singh bol raha hu’, one immediately starts imitating his style. It was the way he used to present live pictures through his voice when radio was the only medium of information.
Indians have grown up listening to the emotional, touching, euphoric, joyful voice of this commentator and today also he is remembered as one of the finest of Hindi commentators India has ever produced.
At 81, his hands might be quivering but even today his voice is the same as it used to be several decades before. The Delhi based Jasdev feels today’s crop of commentators are not getting proper training thus the art of commentary was losing shine a bit.
“Training is most important. Today, with so many avenues, commentators need a bit of training. They should prepare hard ahead of any assignment,” said Jasdev, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at his relative Dr Sanjay Bajaj’s residence.
“When I used to commentate, I would stay awake whole night. I would prepare, update myself for the next day. I used to jot down a few sentences on a piece of paper,” revealed Jasdev, who was conferred with the prestigious Padmashree award in 1985 and Padma Bhushan in 2008.
Talk about his days with microphone and Jasdev gets nostalgic. His never-ending but interesting incidents forced this scribe to unwillingly interrupt him in between.
“Once I was described by a French paper as a person who eats, sleeps and drinks commentary,” said Jasdev, who is the only Indian commentator to win the prestigious Olympic Order in 1998 at the hand of then IOC president Juan Antino Samaranch.
Recalling his early days, Jasdev said he fell in love with commentary when he was 16 years old.
“It was on January 31, 1948, the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, I decided to make career in this profession, that too in Hindi. I heard Melville De Mello’s, my idol, commentary on Radio. The way he presented picture of Gandhiji’s death forced me to fall in love of this profession.
“My mother first laughed at me because I studied in Urdu school and my Hindi was far from being a commentator,” mentioned Jasdev, who has covered nine Olympics, eight World Cups and six Asian Games apart from live commentaries on Independence and Republic Day for 50 years.
Jasdev did his first R-Day parade in 1961 and continued for several decades. He was promoted to Deputy Director General (Sports) from Doordarshan in 1987. He retired from the same post in 1989 but continued to force Indians fall in love to his commentary. Jasdev, who joined All India Radio in 1955 in Jaipur, said his first sports assignment at 1964 Tokyo Olympics was the most memorable one. “That was my first Olympics. I was very excited but not nervous,” he recalled.
Jasdev felt that technical terms in sports should not be converted while commentating in Hindi.
“I am against changing technical terms. We should use those words as in English but why call a shuttle cock a ‘chidiya’ while commentating in Hindi. It makes no sense,” he clarified.
Jasdev says he feels overwhelmed when people still remember his voice.
“The way people respond when they recognise my voice is something overwhelming. Some remember me for my hockey commentaries, some for the R-Day or I-Day ones,” he concluded.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 24
THE shooters might be having problems at the Games Village with reports coming in that sportspersons are being forced to share a toilet among four, and sometimes even with six athletes, but for Indian hockey’s ‘goal machine’ SV Sunil there is no such issue at his “dream home”.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from Games Village in London, Sunil said the atmosphere is awesome and he is enjoying every bit of it.
“The atmosphere is awesome. It (Games Village) is like heaven. I can’t describe it. I am enjoying every bit of it,” said Sunil.
“You can see all the top stars of the world walking past you. It’s unbelievable,” added Sunil, who will be playing his first Olympics.
Like his team-mate Tushar Khandker, Sunil, too, wants to meet 17-time Grand Slam champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer. “Who else? Roger Federer,” replied Sunil when asked about his desire.
Sunil, who is sharing room with defender VR Raghunath, said he is enjoying Indian food at the Village.
“It’s daal, roti and rice for me. The food is delicious. I am enjoying it. We don’t have any problem regarding toilets,” said the Indian forward.
One thing that is on the mind of Indian hockey contingent is engraving the Olympics ring on their body and Sunil has also planned to do so. But that will take place later as the first priority is to perform well at the Games.
“Yes we all want Olympics tattoo on our body. But the main task is performing well at Games. We will do that when we come back to India,” replied Sunil.
Sunil confirmed that all players including Ignace Tirkey and Sardara Singh are fit and raring to go.
“All the reports (regarding Ignace and Sardara’s fitness) are not true. The entire team is fit and ready for the Games to begin,” Sunil
concluded.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 18
WITH London opening doors of the Games Village stars and megastars have started descending on the venue, which is larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. The Indian hockey contingent, presently in Spain, too, will occupy their ‘home’ on Friday, brushing shoulders with who’s who of world sports.
Olympics is the only stage where stars could manage to meet the ‘megastars’, their idols, role models and alike.
Like many others, Indian striker Tushar Khandker, too, is looking forward to meet his favourite 17-time Grand Slam champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Village.
Federer, who recently won the 5th Wimbledon title, will be in London for Olympics starting July 27.
“If I get time from my matches, training, and recovery, I will try to meet Roger Federer,” said Khandker, talking exclusively with ‘The Hitavada’ from Spain where the Indian team is playing pre-Games tournament.
The Indian forward, who would be making his debut at Olympics, said with the D-Day approaching there were butterflies in his stomach.
“Yes there are (butterflies) and it is very much true because it will
be my first Olympics. So I’m pretty much excited,” Khandker
admitted.
Games Village remains the talk of the event with views over the facilities, atmosphere, world famous athletes but despite being his first Olympics Khandker is not losing sleep over spending time in the ‘small town’.
“Frankly speaking I don’t have any plan for the Village because I’m going to London to play hockey and not for entertainment,” said the Jhansi-born player.
The camaraderie in the Indian team has been the talking point for some time now and players are gelling well with each other. On long tours like Olympics, where teams leave shores much in advance to get acclimatised to conditions, players share their joys and sorrows with those who are close to them, specially with room-mates.
Khandker does not have any problem in sharing his room at Games with any of his 16 team members. “I don’t know yet who will be my room-mate but I’m OK with everyone. I don’t’ have any problem with anyone,” said Khandker.
Khandker and Shivendra Singh are involved in numerous goal scoring acts but like his pal Shiva, Khandker doesn’t let his emotions flow after scoring a goal.
Asked whether he has any plans of celebrating after scoring a goal, the down-to-earth player said, “I don’t celebrate much so I don’t have any kind of thing like Shiva. I celebrate after winning.”
By Paritosh Pramanik
SINCE 1982 Omprakash Mundra and his wife Premlata have travelled across the globe riding on the tremendous love for sports and passion for Indian sportspersons. They have marked presence at various sporting extravaganzas including Olympics, Asian Games and World Cups. Unfortunately, they would not be part of the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Games starting July 27.
A lackadaisical response from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has denied them tickets for ceremonies and other events in London.
The Nagpur-based steel businessman has now decided to go on his own and ‘beg’ for tickets in front of the stadium, which he has done before during the Athens Games. What is hurting the 61-year-old is the way the IOA “cheated” him.
In January 2011, Mundra requested IOA for tickets. In reply he was asked by the IOA to send a Demand Draft of Rs 2,72,080 for tickets of the opening, closing ceremonies, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastics hockey, swimming and tennis. Mundra sent a demand draft in July 2011 but to his surprise IOA allotted him tickets only for badminton, basketball and hockey.
“When I contacted IOA, they first refused to entertain me but later said there was paucity of tickets. They said, ‘If you want these tickets take them or else we would give them to somebody else’. I had no other option but to take those three event tickets,” a dejected Mundra told ‘The Hitavada’.
“I have booked my flight tickets and also the accommodation in London. Whether IOA gives me tickets or not, I will be travelling to London with my wife to cheer and support my country,” said Mundra.
“I will make placards and stand in front of stadium ‘begging’ for tickets. This I have done during the Athens Games where I was appointed a volunteer.
“Spectators had given me tickets to watch India’s tennis match. I am sure in London too, I would get someone who would help me out,” said Mundra.
The Mundras have served as volunteers in world events like 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, 2006 Qatar Asian Games, 2010 Vancouver Games, 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa and 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
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