IHF to help VHA in getting astro turf: Jt secy Mathur

Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, sept 17, 2010

INDIAN Hockey Federation (IHF) joint secretary Ashok Mathur paid a surprise visit to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) on Friday afternoon. It was not a pre-planned visit but Mathur spent almost full day with Vinod Gavai, VHA secretary and other officials. He also spent more than an hour at VHA’s ground which earned heaps of praise from the IHF official.
“It is a fabulous playfield. The two lawn turfs are very well maintained,” remarked Mathur while exclusively talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
Mathur was on his way to Pune where the 1st junior nationals for boys and girls are going to be held from September 20.
“I reached Nagpur in the morning and my flight to Pune was in the evening. I called Gavai and asked him whether he could spare some time with me. I am happy Mr Gavai took me to VHA. I am happy with the development works of VHA,” said Mathur about his ‘surprise’ visit.
Mathur said VHA should try to get at least one astro turf in the region and added IHF will try to help them getting one.
“Centre has announced it will lay 100 astro turfs in the country. Entire Maharashtra has just three astro turfs, one in Mumbai and two in Pune. I will ask Mr (KPS) Gill to request Sports Ministry in allotting one astro turf at Nagpur,” said Mathur while having a glance at VHA’s 4-acre land.
“Maharashtra government should provide financial aid to VHA in acquiring an astro turf, he added.
The IHF official also praised VHA for conducting tournaments in several age categories which includes inter-school, inter-college and the A and B division leagues.
“I am surprised to know that the association, along with veterans association, has also started a Sunday League for those past their prime. It’s something unique,” he said. On the ongoing ‘tussle’ between VHA and Vidarbha Women’s Hockey Association (VWHA) Mathur said, “I don’t understand why they are refusing to merge. After all it’s the women’s association which has to merge with the men’s body and not vice versa. They have to merge, that’s the only option. Every association in India is doing the same,” said Mathur.
Mathur felt that the new IHF body would be elected unanimously.
“Till now every IHF executive body has been elected unanimously. I hope the trend continues when the election are held on October 3,” he concluded.