Indian hockey ready for Rio test: Sreejesh

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 23

FROM a no-hoper to Indian captain, P R Sreejesh’s journey is a wonderful tale of grit and gumption. The Kerala player will lead the Indian hockey team in the August 5-21 Olympics in Rio. It is a huge assignment for the humble goalkeeper who has prepared his team to change perception about Indian hockey that returned with a wooden spoon in the 2012 Olympics in London.
‘The Hitavada’ got Sreejesh talking in an exclusive interview before the Indian team left for Madrid on their way to Rio. He spoke freely about his humble start as a player and transformation as a leader. He talked about the nuances of man management and team bonding. And he was well aware of the expectations from the team after their recent success in Azlan Shah and Champions Trophy tournaments.
“We were waiting for this Olympics since 2012. It was a disaster. We all want to change that,” Sreejesh said about the upbeat mood in the Indian camp. The team had a very good preparatory camp in Bengaluru.
Sreejesh knows it would be important to have a well-knit unit to succeed in Olympics. He is banking on his players’ sense of responsibility and willingness to contribute to strategies. “We have given them responsibilities. When they start taking responsibilities they would know their importance and start feeling “It’s my responsibility to help the team win.” That’s my way of leading a team,” the 30-year-old said.
For a youngster making debut in 2004 Sreejesh never ever thought in his wildest of dreams that he would one day lead India. “I never imagined of getting selected in the national team, leave aside leading it,” he confided even as he conceded it to Fate and Destiny.
“My basic aim was to get selected for Kerala team and play nationals. But when I got selected for the national camp I started believing that I can play for the country,” he recalled. In the spotlight for his superlative performance under the bar against Pakistan in the gold-winning Asian Games final, Sreejesh said he did not want the limelight.
“I want my players to hog the limelight. In India most of the time the limelight is on captain. But for me, my team-mates should get the importance, all the 16 players, because they are representing our country,” he said. Sreejesh feels India have the potential to have a good run in Rio. The team’s progress, he said, started from 2013 Asia Cup and after the Asian Games gold the team was able to continue with the core group. This will stand India in good stead in Brazil, asserted the captain.
(Full interview on Page 10)

‘2012 Olympics was a disaster. We are eager to change that in Rio’

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 23

A SMALL town guy from a nondescript Kizhakkambalam village in Ernakulam district of Kerala has made his way to the top of the Indian hockey with sheer determination and hard work. Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh, one of world’s best goalkeepers at the moment will be leading the Indian men’s hockey team at the August 5-21 Rio Olympics.
The Indian custodian who has over 120 caps and has a road named after him in Kerala, recalled his early days when he had to play with ragged pads and jerseys, and how those days taught him to become a better person and player.
The Indian team took off for Spain on Saturday night. They would play a few warm-up games in Madrid and then go to Rio.
The 30-year-old bartender, who says goalkeeping is like a wine, which gets better with time (experience), is ready to shoulder the responsibility. He is ready to use all his experience when India hit the hockey turf at Rio from 
August 5.
Before leaving the Indian shores, Sreejesh talked with 
The Hitavada’s Principal Correspondent.
Q: The preparatory camp is over and the team is flying to Madrid. How is mood in the camp?
Sreejesh: Everyone is well prepared for Rio Olympics. The mood is great in the camp. All the players are eager to get the Games started. We have worked hard during this Bangalore camp. We were waiting for this Olympics since 2012 after we finished with the wooden spoon. It was a disaster. We all want to change that.
Q: How would you lead the team as a captain? What would be your mantra to make the top?
Sree: I want the players to play according to the roles given to them. Let them realise that they are important for us and their performance is important for the team. We have given them responsibilities and they should perform. When they start taking responsibilities they would know their importance and start feeling “It’s my responsibility to help the team win.” That’s how we can build the team. That’s my way of leading a team.
Q: How much will the team miss defender Birendra Lakra?
Sree: Birendra will be missed badly. He was one of the best defenders at present. But injuries are part and parcel of the game and one can’t do anything.
Q: You made your India debut way back in 2004. Did you ever imagine that one day you would lead the Indian team in a mega event like Olympics?
Sree: (Laughs) No..no.no…Never. I never ever imagined about this. I never imagined of getting selected in the national team, leave aside leading it. It’s all fate and I believe in destiny. My basic aim was to get selected for Kerala team and play nationals for the State. I had never thought of attending the national camp. But when I got the opportunity to get into the national camp, I started believing that I can play for the country. Then the dream started taking shape and I said to myself “If I work hard I can get into the Indian team”.
I owe a lot to Harendra Singh (India coach). He was the one who picked me from Kerala. He took me to the Junior Asia Cup. That was the time when my destiny changed. Harendra sir kept faith in me and gave me a chance in Junior World Cup and later I got selected into the senior team. Today, it’s a dream come true.
Q: Since 2014, you are with the Indian team playing almost all the tournaments, barring the Sultan Azlan Shah this year. Tell us about the journey in this last two years. How much have we, as a team, progressed since then?
Sree: Actually, the team’s progress started from 2013 with the Asia Cup. Then our next target was World Cup and after that it was the Asian Games where we wanted to qualify for Rio. We achieved that by winning the gold medal and a ticket for Rio. But the best part from 2013 was that we were able to continue with the core group. That helped us in team bonding and the players gelled well. That helped us in developing the team and improving our performance. If you ask me personally as a goalkeeper, I think getting more opportunity for playing in the main XI helped me in gaining more experience. It also helped me in building my confidence. That has helped me during the matches and also during defending the shoot-outs.
During this period what I learnt is that I have to give 100 per cent whenever I don the India Blue. Since then I decided that I would not let the team down because of my own performance.
Q: Though hockey is a team sport, India’s Rio berth is attributed to you alone after we won Asian Games gold beating Pakistan on penalties. What would you say on that?
Sree: I think first of all hockey is a team event. When it comes to shoot-out the responsibility goes to a single person, the goalkeeper. 
But we can’t forget those players who scored the goals for us in the shoot-out. It’s a simultaneous thing. Had they not scored then we would not have won. Yes, it feels great when people recognise you and appreciate your performance.
Q: How does it feel to be in the media limelight, especially after the 2012 London Games debacle?
Sree: I think I am not more into that. I want my other players to hog the limelight. If you see the 1980 (Moscow) Olympics team after we won the gold, that team was known and remembered by captain (Vasudevan) Bhaskaran. Very few at that time knew about the other members of the team. In India most of the time the limelight is on captain. But for me it’s not important. For me it’s my team-mates who should get the importance, all the 16 players, because they are representing our country and they too contribute.
Q: As a goalkeeper how much have you improved after the Asian Games?
Sree: Right now I am working more on my basics because what I learnt earlier was totally wrong. I am now learning...like how to keep your hand, how to hold your stick, how to kick…I am trying to change those things and trying to get perfect on my basics. That’s what I am doing from last 2-3 years. That helped me a lot because when you sharpen your skills your game develops accordingly.
Q: Tell us something about your early days. Have you ever cried or got disappointed or thought of leaving hockey?
Sree: I never thought of leaving. Yes, there were disappointments and at times depressing situations. But the real thing was that I was getting daily practice. I had a place to sleep. I was getting daily food. I always kept calm. I always kept on telling myself that one day I will play better and that motto kept me going ahead.
Q: Could you recall your old days when you had nothing…no pads... no proper kit..
Sree: At that time I had nothing. I had to struggle a lot. I stitched my jersey and pads in the nights. I didn’t have a strong family background. So, it was quite difficult in those days. Those struggling days in my career helped me in becoming a better person as well as a player. Like other players I never got branded clothes. It was a normal thing. I always used to wear stitched clothes. I come from a small village and nobody there wears jeans. So it was a normal thing for me.
Q: Who would you attribute your success to, on and off the field? Who are your best buddies in your 10 years hockey career?
Sree: Adrian D’Souza (former India goalkeeper) was and will be my role model. He was also a goalkeeper like me. He changed my way of thinking. He stood by my side in difficult times. He is like my brother, my well-wisher. For 5-6 years we were together and shared the same room. We used to spend our time together. Then there was Shivendra Singh (former India forward and a room-mate) who was also a great person. He, too, was very close to me. Now, there are Birendra, Danish Mujtaba, SV Sunil and Raghunath bhaiyya. They all are very close to me. Actually this team is very closely-knit.
Q: How do you release pressure during matches?
Sree: I sing (Malayalam songs) during matches. But not when the ball is in our circle (laughs)…when the ball is in the other half. I have a habit of talking to my pads. I talk to them to motivate myself. I love to sing Malayalam songs whenever I am under pressure.
Q: Your fans and team-mates have given you several names like ‘The Wall’, ‘The Defence Minister’, ‘The Saviour’…which one you like the most?
Sree: Hahaha….I think ‘The Wall’ is the best…I love that name.
Q: Who’s you favourite singer?
Sree: I don’t have any favourite singer but yes I love to listen Yesudas’ songs. He is from Kerala (Kochi). At times I listen to Hindi songs also.
Q: Have you seen Kabali?
Sree: No...Due to tight schedule I didn’t get time to watch the movie. I tried to get tickets yesterday but you know in Bangalore how difficult it is to get tickets. We are flying at 10.30 pm so it’s not possible tonight too.

We’re going to surprise several teams this Oly: SV Sunil

Sunil gives 10 out of 10 to Sreejesh on captaincy

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 12

WITH a couple of silver medals dangling around their necks in the build-up to Rio Olympics, Indian vice-captain SV Sunil exuded confidence and hoped of bettering their performance in the August 5-21 sporting extravaganza.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from New Delhi, Sunil said this Indian side would surprise several teams in the competition.
Hockey India announced the men and women’s hockey teams for Rio Games on Tuesday. World’s one of the best goalkeepers PR Sreejesh was handed the baton of leading the 16-member men’s squad while Sunil was named his deputy.
Sunil, who has played over hundred matches with Sreejesh, rated the Indian custodian as one of the finest keepers at present in world hockey.
“I would give him 10 out of 10 as a captain. He is such a great person and an excellent player,” said Sunil of Sreejesh.
The Karnataka player added, “The best thing about Sreejesh is he is very down to earth and very friendly. This helps in gelling quickly with other team-mates.” 
On how Sreejesh would handle the added pressure, Sunil said, “He’s the best and he knows how to handle pressure situations.”
The Indian team is a mix of youth and experience with seven players having played London Games in 2012. Sunil said this will be the plus point for Indian side. “That’s the plus point because we have talented young players and experienced seniors. So, totally it’s a nice mix.”
Though Sunil ducked the question on where India could finish on podium this time, he confidently said they would spring surprises. “I would say one thing that we are going to surprise so many teams this Olympics,” he retorted.
The ace Indian forward, who will be vice-captain of the team, said he himself knows how to handle the pressure. “I don’t have any pressure because I have been playing for almost a decade now. It’s easy to handle the situation now,” he concluded.

Indian hockey needs forwards like Ronaldo, Messi: Olympian Ashok Kumar

India’s chances very bright at Rio, says the hockey World Cup gold medal winner

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur, July 9, 2016
THE Olympic badge was placed just above the tricolour on his well ironed Indian blazer. Inside the dark blue coloured blazer was a heart that still beats for Indian hockey. Olympian and 1975 World Cup gold medal winner Ashok Kumar, son of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand, poured his heart out recalling several instances of how his chest swelled with pride whenever Indian team took top position at the podium, as he interacted with ‘The Hitavada’ at the sidelines of a square naming function after his father.
The 66-year-old was happy with the Indian team’s performance in the recently-concluded Champions Trophy as well as their show in Sultan Azlan Shah meet. In both the tournaments India finished a creditable second winning silver medals.
With just a couple of weeks left for the Rio Olympics, Ashok Kumar felt that the morale of the team should be at an all-time high.
“They have performed exceedingly well in past few months. Two silver medals in two reputed tournaments is a good sign. It shows that Indian hockey is going in the right direction,” said the 1975 World Cup winner. But Ashok Kumar refused to predict where India would finish in the quadrennial event.
“We are playing really well. The past few months were really great for Indian hockey. But the players will have to continue in the same manner at Rio. Any team can win the gold provided they play to their potential on the given day. It’s very hard to predict where India will finish but I am sure they would better their last performance,” he said.
India finished with wooden spoon at London Olympics four years back.
To elaborate his point Ashok Kumar gave example of Portugal football team which reached the Euro final. “Look where they are today and how they reached. They played hard and fought hard to reach final,” he explained.
The 1972 Munich Olympic bronze medal winner said Indian team needs players like Ronaldo and Messi.
“We have a great forwards. But Indian hockey needs players like Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Argentina’s Lionel Messi. If we get players like these, then nobody can stop us from winning medals regularly,” he pointed out.
“We have to improve our conversion rate. We create beautiful moves but lack in finishing. Same is with penalty corners. We have to convert those half chances,” Ashok Kumar added.
Praising the present bunch of players Ashok Kumar said, “these players are mentally very strong. They have worked really hard to reach this far. They have proved this in Champions Trophy final against Australia after losing badly in the league round.”
The former Indian forward said the format at Rio will help India a lot. For the first time in Olympic history, quarter-finals would be played. “I feel it will favour India a lot. Only four out of 12 teams would bow out of the meet. India have a great chance to reach quarters. After that it would be anybody’s game. The team playing best on the given day would win and reach the gold medal match,” he said.
Ashok Kumar also lauded Indian defence manned by VR Raghunath. “Raghunath is an excellent defender. He has shown his class in last few tournaments.”
The legendary player had special praise for goal-keeper PR Sreejesh. “Sreejesh is world number one goal keeper today. He has bailed out India on numerous occasions. Had it not been Sreejesh, India’s performance graph would have been totally different,” he remarked.
When asked if he is still hopeful of Dhyanchand getting Bharat Ratna, the legendary hockey player’s son said, “Even after over 30 years of his death, stadiums, roads and squares are named after him. That shows how great player and person Dhyanchand was.”
“Last time his name was unanimously passed in Rajya Sabha. But...,” Ashok Kumar stopped midway, adjusted his India blazer and the two emblems and signed off.

CM Fadnavis to dedicate square after Dhyanchand

The function will be held on July 9 at VHA


n Sports Reporter

NAGPUR, Juny 7

NAGPUR Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to name a square after hockey legend Major Dhyanchand.
The square, near Vidarbha Hockey Association and in front of Patrakar Colony off Amravati Road, will be named after the hockey ‘Wizard’.
The square naming ceremony will be held on July 9 at 
6.30 pm at VHA ground by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari will be the chief guest of the programme. 
Olympian and World Cup gold medalist Ashok Kumar, son of Major Dhyanchand, will be the special guest on the occasion.
Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will be the guest of honour.
Nagpur Mayor Pravin Datke will preside over the programme.
On the occasion, Member of Parliament (MP) Ajay Sancheti, Padmashree MP Vikas Mahatme,  MLAs Nago Ganar, Jogendra Kawade, Anil Sole, Prakash Gajbhiye, Girish Vyas, Sudhakar Deshmukh, Krishna Khopde, Vikas Kumbhare, Sudhakar Kohale, Dr Milind Mane, Deputy Mayor Satish Holay, Standing Committee Chairman Sudhir (Bandu) Raut, Ruling Party Leader Dayashankar Tiwari, Opposition Leader Vikas Thakre, Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, VHA President Radheshyam Sarda, Gautam Patil, Kishor Kumeria, Rahul Telang, Shravan Khapekar, Sumitra Jadhav, Lata Yadav, Ramnath Sonwane, Seema Raut, Raju Lokhande, Aslam Khan, Sunil Agrawal, Munna Pokulwar, Sunil Agrawal, Ravindra Kumbhare, Dr Rizwan Siddique and others will also remain prominently present.
This will be the first square in the city to be named after Dhyanchand, who has won three Olympic gold medals for India.
The decision was taken during the special meeting of NMC in the month of March. The proposal, to name the square after the most decorated hockey player of the country Dhyanchand, was put forth by former Deputy Mayor Ganesh ‘Munna’ Pokulwar in February, 2016. 
Vidarbha Hockey Association has requested all the school,
colleges, clubs and institutions 
to attend the function in large numbers.

‘An outstanding player, an outstanding person’

Sports Reporter
Nagpur, July 3

THE passing away of Sanjay Joshi, a former Vidarbha and Customs and Central Excise hockey player, at the age of 55 years has shocked the hockey fraternity of the city.
Joshi, who was also ex-vice president of VHA, breathed his last on Sunday evening at a city hospital. An excellent hockey player, Joshi was part of Nagpur University team that qualified for the All India Inter-University Tournament for the first time in 1982 after they won the West Zone title.
He also led Vidarbha hockey team in several national level tournaments and carved a niche for himself. Joshi also captained Customs and Central Excise team for several years. 
A tall and robust defender, he was hard to tackle. Joshi’s rasping carpet driven hits were unstoppable. 
While taking penalty corners, Customs and Central Excise team used to depend heavily on Joshi. He was equally brilliant while defending the short corners.
Former Vidarbha Hockey Association secretary, Vinod Gawai, who was also team-mate of Joshi, was shocked to hear the news.
“He was an outstanding person and also an outstanding player. I am very shocked,” said Gawai, who played with Joshi for several years. “He was our captain and was very sincere. Even after he hanged his boots we treated him as captain. Still, he is captain for us,” said Gawai.
VHA vice-president TN Sidhra termed Joshi’s demise as a personal loss. “I had very cordial and personal relations with Sanjay and his family. It’s a big loss for me personally,” said Sidhra.
Joshi later switched to golf and was successful in it, too, winning a few trophies.

VHA astro turf dream caught in red-tape

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur, June 18, 2016
HOCKEY players’ dream of playing on an astro turf in Nagpur will take a few more years to become reality. After all the steps taken by the game’s governing body, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), to bring astro turf on its playfield off Amravati Road the proposal is caught in bureaucratic 
red-tape.
Hockey players in the region have been deprived of astro turf since last five decades. VHA did take positive steps through its previous body led by BC Bhartia and Vinod Gavai. The good work was carried forward by the present body headed by Radheshyam Sarda. 
As per the process the association submitted proposals to the District Sports Office and other concerned government departments. Letters and proposals were drafted and dispatched to Maharashtra Government in January which recommended financial grant for the project to the Union Sports Ministry.
The School Education and Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, on April 22, forwarded VHA’s proposal to the Ministry of Youth Affairs 
and Sports, New Delhi requesting them to grant 100 per cent financial assistance for Synthetic playing surface under Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS).
“Please refer to the proposal of Vidarbha Hockey Association, Nagpur for granting 100% financial assistance for Synthetic Playing Surface Under Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) forwarded herewith. 
You are requested to sanction the said proposal,” the letter, signed by SN Joshi, Under Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, stated.
However, the proposal is now caught in the proverbial bureaucratic red-tape and yet to see light of the day. The elevation of then Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as Chief Minister of Assam further added to the hurdle.
VHA President Sarda said a VHA representative had met Sonowal a couple of days before Assam elections but after that the process came to a grinding halt.
“On our behalf MP Ajay Sancheti had met Sonowal a few days before Assam elections. Sonowal had assured to speed up the matter. Call it our bad luck, he was elected as the Chief Minister of Assam and the Sports Minister’s post got vacant,” Sarda told ‘The Hitavada’.
“We are continuously following up on the issue,” he added.
“Once funds are granted then we can make a speedy progress. After Central Government grants us the desired fund their officials would prepare a blue print for astro turf,” Sarda informed.
VHA officials have now decided to meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to press for their demands.
If everything goes as scheduled, Fadnavis and Gadkari are likely to make an announcement 
on astro turf when they attend the function to name a square after hockey legend 
Major Dhyanchand in the last week of June.
“We had requested Nagpur Municipal Corporation to name Patrakar Colony square after Major Dhyanchand. Mayor Pravin Datke accepted our request and the function is likely to be held on June 26. CM Fadnavis and Gadkari both will remain present during the programme. We would request the ministers to speed up the matter,” said Sarda.
The VHA officials and hockey players are banking on Gadkari and Fadnavis’ commitment towards developing sports in Vidarbha region. In April both the top leaders had assured full support to sportsmen in the region while handing over land for SAI regional centre at Wathoda.
Lack of astro turf has badly affected development of the game in the region. In this year’s national tournaments organised by Hockey India in various age groups, city players moved to other states where they got chance to practice and 
play on astro turf. Several 
local players represented Hockey Maharashtra, Mumbai,Chhattisgarh and Manipur.
“We hardly get a chance to play on astro turf. There is no turf in entire Vidarbha whereas today’s hockey is played on turf all over the world,” one of the players lamented.
“More players would move away if the situation does not change,” he added.
The players are now hoping for the two big politicians from city to free their dream from bureaucratic shackles.

Bleak home future forcing VHA players to opt for other teams, pub on Apr 16, 2016

Players part ways with Vidarbha, join Mumbai, Mah, Ind Rlys teams

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Apr 15, 2016

HAS the mass exodus of hockey players from Vidarbha started? It seems so. Three current hockey players from Vidarbha and another player, who had represented Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) some time in his career, have parted ways with their host association in search of greener pastures.
Dhyanchand Hockey Academy’s Wasim Khan and Aakib Rahim along with another former city player Irshad Mirza have found place in the 18-member strong Mumbai team which will take part in the Hockey India’s 6th Senior National Hockey Championship (Division A). The meet begins at Saifai in Uttar Pradesh from April 19.
Another player, Gomed Patil, has found a berth in the Maharashtra team which will also be taking part in the senior nationals.
Patil, who represented City Police, Nagpur, was selected in the Vidarbha squad for current nationals (Division B) but according to a VHA official, he did not get relieving letter from Maharashtra Police hence did not turn up for Vidarbha team. The midfielder was replaced by Thakurdas Goplani in the Vidarbha team that was thrashed badly in the tournament.
Wasim and Aakib joined Mumbai Port Trust five months back after winning hearts of the selectors. Interestingly both had played the VHA senior division league and won individual prizes for the exemplary performances.
Irshad Mirza, another player from Nagpur, is working with the Western Railways and is a regular in Mumbai hockey.
Niyaz Rahim, also a former player of Dhyanchand, is working with Southern Railways and has been selected for the fourth time in Indian Railways team.
The exodus is hampering the performance of Vidarbha team which was evident in the dismal performance at Saifai.
Though VHA officials are happy that players are getting opportunity to perform at higher level they feel that the players should choose between the two before appearing for the selections trials.
“It is good that our players are finding place in other teams too. We also want to see our players reaching greater heights and play for the country. But at the same time some action should be taken against those erring players who appear for trials and then refuse to be part of Vidarbha,” VHA Joint Secretary Pramod Jain told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Players appear for trials at Mumbai as well as Vidarbha. This should be stopped. Even Mumbai and Maharashtra should seek No Objection Certificates from the host association before allowing them to take part in selection trials,” he added.
Jain kept harping about the technical aspect but the fact is players are getting very little opportunities to show their talent in Nagpur. Lack of astro turf is also hampering development of the game in the region.
“We hardly get a chance to play on astro turf. There is no turf in entire Vidarbha whereas today’s hockey is played only on turf all over the world. We can’t become victim of dirty politics of Vidarbha hockey,” a player, on the condition of anonymity, told their plight. 
“More players would move away if the situation does not change,” he added.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that district associations including Amravati, Akola and Aurangabad, affiliated with VHA for several decades, have joined Hockey Maharashtra.

It’s a dream, says goalkeeper Chikte

 By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Apr 16, 2016

WITH the silver medal dangling around his neck, India goalkeeper Akash Chikte was over the moon. Never in his dreams had he thought that he would play title match in his debut tournament. On Saturday, India won silver in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia after going down to world number 1 Australia 4-0.
Chikte said he learnt a lot from his maiden international tournament.
“I have never thought that I would play final in my first international tournament. It’s like icing on the cake. First my direct international call in the senior team and then a silver medal. It’s like a dream,” the goalkeeper hailing from Yavatmal, told ‘The Hitavada’ on phone from Ipoh.
Chikte has never played for junior India team and directly found a place in the main squad.
Chikte was the first choice for the summit clash against Australia. “Just before the match I was informed that I would be guarding the post... I was very happy to play in the final. I was not nervous. I kept calm and was very cool,” said the BEG Pune custodian.
Chikte, who plays for Ranchi Rays in Hockey India League, said the franchisee-based tournament helped him a lot during Azlan Shah meet.
“HIL is a great platform to learn and gain confidence. My stint with Ranchi Rays helped me in this tournament,” he said.
This is just the beginning and Chikte said he has a long way to go.
“I will have to work really hard from here on. There are lots of positives but also have to learn a lot. I will have to improve my calling. How to call players while there is an attack... How to ask players to mark opponents and many more thing,” he said.
“This medal means a lot to me, for my hometown Yavatmal and also for Vidarbha and Maharashtra. I hope it will give a boost to the game in entire region,” Chikte concluded.

VHA not to send senior women’s team for Bengaluru nationals

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Apr 12, 2016

ALREADY on the decline the hockey scenario in Vidarbha seems to be touching nadir, especially in the women’s 
section.
After refusing to send the sub-junior girls’ hockey team to Assam for the nationals in January, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) has once again failed to find 18 girls for the Hockey India’s 6th National Championship to be held at Bengaluru.
The tournament begins on April 18 and Vidarbha team was supposed to leave on 15th. But with police recruitment under way in the city, most of the players have decided to opt for that and skip the important national tournament.
Surprisingly, VHA has not declared the team and informed the girls about the selection, a practice never heard before.
“Most of the players whom we contacted said they would be giving preference to police recruitment and could not go for the national,” said Pramod Jain, VHA Joint Secretary.
“We have done all the paper work and the railway concession letters are also ready. But with 10 out of 18 girls refusing to accompany the team we decided not to send the team,” Jain added.
Roshni Khobragade (GK), Shraddha Nakhale, Nirmala Dhurve, Neelam Nishad, Sunita Yadav, Sangita Meshram, Monali Khewale, Monu Uikey, Damini Sakhare and Almas Pathan were the 10 selected players out of 18.
The police recruitment drive will continue till April 19. Vidarbha, placed in Pool A along with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagra Haveli and Madhya Bharat, have their match scheduled for April 18. The decision of these 10 players will affect the remaining eight who lost a chance to earn national certificates.
“We also know it’s harsh on them (the other eight girls). But we are helpless,” said secretary DS Karunashankar.
In January VHA did not send the team as it was ‘under-prepared’ and would have attracted ignominy.
Jain said that around 40 players appeared for selection trials which included mostly from Nagpur, a couple from Bhandara and Yavatmal and none from Amravati.
The episode once again highlights the poor condition of women’s hockey in the district. VHA has its task cut out to reach the affiliated districts, too, which usually are touched only during election period. 

Win against Canada sweeter than Pak: Chikte

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Apr 12, 2016

ANY Indian player would rate the win against Pakistan as the sweetest but not India goalkeeper Akash Chikte. Playing his second international match, that too against arch-rivals Pakistan, Chikte stood tall under the bar as India thrashed the Green Brigade 5-1 in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament at Ipoh in Malaysia on Tuesday.
After his super performance against Canada a couple of days ago, the Indian think-tank put their faith in Chikte and gave him a chance to play against Pakistan.
The former Vidarbha goal-keeper did well and conceded only one goal in India’s 5-1 win.
“The win against Canada was much sweeter than this (against Pakistan),” said Chikte when asked to compare between the two.
“That was my first international match. I was a bit under pressure but we emerged victors,” he said. “Playing first match and emerging winners gives a soothing feeling,” said Chikte while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from Malaysia.
India defeated Canada 3-1 and Chikte was introduced in the second quarter after Harjot Singh had conceded a penalty corner for kicking the ball while it was outside the circle. Canada had scored from that corner.
On Tuesday Chikte conceded one goal off a penalty corner conversion which he could have saved.
“I could have saved it. I judged it well but may be I was a bit slow. The ball brushed my stick and entered the goal,” said the lanky keeper who hails from Yavatmal’s Lohara village.
“I have saved same shot in previous (against Canada) match. I thought this too could have been saved,” he added.
Chikte said he, like any other player, too was under pressure while playing against Pakistan.
“Against Pakistan....everybody feels the pressure...so did I. But I have gained a lot of confidence after playing this match,” the BEG player said.
“I have learned how to handle pressure against top teams after this game. Hope I continue my form in future and help India win the title,” Chikte concluded.

From Vidarbha to Ipoh: Akash touches the sky

Former Vidarbha goalkeeper to represent India in Sultan Azlan Shah


By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Apr 5, 2016

SOMETIME in mid 2008 a young, lean 15-year-old teenager stepped onto the green lawns of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA). With a tattered goal-keeping kit on his shoulders, Akash Chikte enrolled himself for the Under-16 selection trials for the Vidarbha team. A few days later, the team was declared and Chikte, son of welding shop owner Anil and Baby, found his name in the list of 18 for Bhopal nationals. Vidarbha team failed to reach the podium but that tournament changed Akash’s path and a brightened his chances to fulfill his dreams. A dream to don India colours and to be called an Olympian.
Born and brought up at Lohara village in Yavatmal district, one of Akash’s dreams will be fulfilled when the Indian hockey team locks horns with Japan in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament opener at Ipoh in Malaysia, on Wednesday.
What makes it more challenging for Akash is that he has not yet represented junior India. The selectors, putting faith in his “tremendous skills” directly marked him for the senior team.
“It’s unbelievable. I have never thought in my dreams that I would get direct entry into the senior team,” said Akash while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from Ipoh, Malaysia.
The lanky Indian custodian played only one national for Vidarbha and then moved to Pune at the ripe age of 15. While honing his skills at Prabodhini, Akash was picked by Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and now has been promoted as havaldar.
Akash’s journey from Nagpur to Ipoh was steep, if not bumpy. At Bhopal Nationals, he gave excellent performance which gave him a chance to get selected in Krida Prabodhini, Balewadi in Pune.
“That (Bhopal nationals) tournament changed my life. I have no hesitation in attributing my success to Vinod Gavai and his selectors who gave me the chance to represent Vidarbha.” Gavai was VHA secretary in 2008 when Akash was selected for Bhopal nationals.
“I got training from Sagar Thakur sir at BEG. He helped me a lot in my fitness and skill development.
“Hockey Maharashtra secretary Manoj Bhore sir, too, guided and encouraged me. He was like a pillar in my hockey career,” said Akash.
Akash’s journey was not easy, like any other hockey player. He belonged to a family which had to burn the midnight oil to make both ends meet.
“Those days were painful but it taught a lot. My father has a small welding shop. It was really hard to purchase good quality goal-keeping kit. There was only one kit in my school (Sai Vidyalaya). I somehow managed to arrange the kit. Though my parents supported me in building my hockey career, it was very difficult to purchase a costly kit,” recalled Akash.
“Things started to fall in line once I joined Balewadi and then BEG. Now, I am earning and shouldering my father’s burden to some extent,” said Akash, the eldest son of Anil.
It was Akash’s dream to reach the sky. The flight has taken off with his selection in the Indian team. His performance will decide whether he fulfills his second dream, playing at Rio.
“I have been selected in the 25 probables for Rio Olympics Games. My performance in Sultan Azlan Shah will be my ticket to Rio. Hope I get chance to play a few matches here at Ipoh,” Akash signed off as he had to attend his ‘first team meeting’ before the big opener.

Karunashankar is new VHA secretary

March 21, 2016
Sports Reporter

VIDARBHA Hockey Association has appointed DS Karunashankar as the new secretary. The decision was taken during the executive committee meeting held on Monday at the association’s office.
The secretary’s post was vacant since January after Vinod Kumar Trivedi tendered his resignation from the secretary’s post.
Karunashankar, a retired district judge, was vice-president of the assocation.
“It was a unanimous decision taken by our members,” said VHA president Radheshyam Sarda after the meeting.
Karunashankar may serve as secretary for three months as Sarda once again hinted that the elections will be held by  June.
“His tenure will only be for three months as I will try to hold the elections within three months,” informed Sarda.
The elections of the assocaition are due since November 2015.
In another positive development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked Sports Secretary to furnish a report regarding astro turf at VHA. VHA officials, led by Sarda and MLC Girish Vyas, have met Fadnavis demanding astro turf in the city.
“The letter to the sports secretary was issued on March 10,” informed Sarda.

VHA secretary Trivedi tenders resignation

By Paritosh Pramanik
Nagpur Feb 17, 2016

UNABLE to handle the tension-filled day-to-day affairs of Vidarbha Hockey Association, secretary Vinod Kumar Trivedi has tendered his resignation from the post.
Seventy-five-year-old Trivedi submitted his resignation to President Radhyshyam Sarda on January 12, it has been learnt.
“The resignation has not been accepted yet and we will take a decision soon,” said Sarda while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.
“Trivedi had informed earlier that he would resign after completing 75 years of age. He celebrated his birthday on January 4 and decided to step down as promised,” informed Sarda.
Trivedi decided to vacate the post due to health reasons.
“I am now 75. I am not as fit as before. There are a few health reasons too which forced me to step down,” reasoned Trivedi.
But if sources are to be believed Trivedi’s resignation is a fall-out of differences amongst the committee members.
“The committee got divided immediately after the 2014 elections. There were differences among elected members right from the beginning.
“The Hockey Museum created by vice-president TN Sidhra was opposed by several members and there were several other issues too which did not get general consent,” said one of the sources.
“Trivedi is a very simple and straightforward man. He does not want to be part of any controversial decision hence he might have resigned,” added the source.
Interestingly, Trivedi, who is also president of Nagpur District Chess Association, has not resigned from this chess running body of the district. “There, the work pressure is quite less as compared to VHA.
“Everything is smooth at NDCA,” Trivedi  said.
The present body’s one-year term has already expired in November last. After Deputy Charity Commissioner’s orders, the election of VHA were held in November 2014 for a period of one year, as per the old constitution. But since coming into power, the Sarda led 13-member body failed to stick to its promise of conducting election after completion of their tenure citing unprepared financial accounts.
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VHA’s AGM on 21st: Sarda
AFTER stretching their one-year tenure to three months extra, Vidarbha Hockey Association has decided to hold it Annual General Body meeting (AGM) on February 21.
“The general body meeting will be held on Feb 21 at VHA premises. We will be presenting the secretary’s report, our balance sheet and budget,” said VHA president Radheshyam Sarda.
Sarda also said that the dates of elections would also be on agenda.
“We would ask the members present during the meeting whether to hold the elections or not. As all know that we have not received proper accounts from previous body we were unable to prepare our annual balance sheet. We have already given show cause notice to the then president, secretary and treasurer. It is not upto the council members to decide when to hold election,” Sarda added.
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VHA gives financial assistance
to injured Khemele
THE Vidarbha Hockey Association has decided to give financial assistance to national level player Shivani Khemele who met with an accident recently.
Shivani, who has played several CBSE as well as Hockey India nationals, met with an accident a few days back. Her left leg was operated upon and a rod has been inserted recently.
VHA will be giving Rs 15,000 financial aid to Shivani. “Today or by Thursday we would hand over the cheque to Shivani,” said association president Radheshyam Sarda.
Shivani, a former student of Swaminarayan School and presently studying in Standard XI at Dr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, met with an accident while returning from the college. She suffered multiple fractures in her leg which was operated upon.

Hedgewar Hockey Stadium proposed, VHA officials clueless

By Paritosh Pramanik
Aug 8, 2015
AFTER more than 60 years of Vidarbha Hockey Association’s inception, there is a ray of hope for players of the city and nearby region to get astro turf if the flex banner erected besides Vidarbha Hockey Association’s entrance gate is any indication. The astro turf stadium is proposed to be named after Keshavrao Hedgewar. Surprisingly, VHA president and secretary are unaware of this development.
It was learnt that the banner was put up by VHA vice-president TN Sidhra on some life members’ request.
“Some VHA life members demanded to give the proposed stadium the name of Sarsanghachalak Keshavrao Hedgewar, the founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and I obliged them,” Sidhra said.
VHA President Radheshyam Sarda and Secretary Vinod Trivedi are “totally unaware” of any such development.
“I don’t have any knowledge about the banner,” Sarda told ‘The Hitavada’.
The news of naming the proposed stadium after Hedgewar was doing rounds for some time. That time too, Sarda denied having any knowledge about the development.
“We had our regular executive committee meeting on Wednesday and nothing was discussed regarding the naming of the proposed stadium. Nothing has been finalised yet about it,” Sarda said on Friday.
VHA secretary Vinod Trivedi, too, claimed his unawareness about the name of the stadium.
“I am totally unaware about it. Nothing was discussed in the executive meeting on Wednesday,” Trivedi said.
On whether he will support the decision of naming the proposed stadium as ‘Keshavrao Hedgewar Hockey Stadium’, the secretary said, “This is not the decision of a single member. This proposal has to be put up before the Council at the annual general meeting or special general body meeting. 
“The name of the stadium has to be proposed at the AGM or GB,” he mentioned.
Sidhra, on his part said, though he has not sought permission of the VHA executive committee, he asked the ground’s marker to put it besides the entrance gate.
“I had ordered to put it (the banner) up on the hoarding. Yes I have not taken any permission or informed the president or secretary as I did not feel the need.
“A group of life members led by Tejraj Batra came to me and requested to give the name of Hedgewar to the proposed astro-turf stadium. I found nothing wrong in it, so I did it,” Sidhra averred.
“If we want to take Vidarbha hockey on par with other states, the players will have to play on astro turf on regular basis. Astro turf is the only ladder through which Vidarbha hockey can go northwards. I don’t want to politicise the issue. I only want an astro turf stadium at VHA so that our players can prosper,” Sidhra stated.
When asked whether he will support any other name to the proposed stadium, Sidhra retorted, “Give the proposed stadium name of Sharad Pawar, Rajiv Gandhi or any other leader or player, I have no objection to it. I want an astro turf in the city, that’s all.”
The issue has once again brought to fore the differences among the present VHA body.
During elections last November, two panels — from Sadar and Ajni, joined hands to oust BC Bhartia and Vinod Gawai’s ruling body. They succeeded in it by winning all the posts. But cracks started to develop immediately after that, it has been learnt.
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Centre, State govts
to fund stadium

The astro turf hockey stadium at VHA ground will be built by Central and State Governments. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari have recently asked VHA officials to submit detailed proposal.
The stadium will be constructed at VHA’s 3.9 acre land off Amravati Road.
VHA has authorised executive member Dayashankar Tiwari to follow up the issue. 

“VHA has submitted relevant documents to the government as well as to NMC. The proposal and proposed documents will now be sent to Pune and from there to Mumbai for further clearance,” informed Tiwari.