Synthetic track top priority for Dr Suryawanshi

RTMNU’s new Physical Education Department Director chalks out future plans

By Paritosh Pramanik
July 12, 2019
HE MIGHT be having ‘n’ number of priorities at his disposal but newly-appointed Director of Physical Education Department and Sports of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi has marked one at the top of his agenda — laying of Synthetic Track.
On first day after taking charge of the department, Dr Suryawanshi short-listed ‘first-things-first’ which included completion of synthetic track and indoor hall at RTMNU’s ground, off Ravi Nagar.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at his office, Dr Suryawanshi spelt out his initial plans: how to improve performance of teams at all India level, forcing responsibilities on selectors, how to reduce walkovers, introducing zone-wise inter-collegiate events, coaching camps, ‘prime time slots’ for national, international level university badminton players etc.
Dr Suryawanshi, who is also secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association, wanted that work of synthetic track begins at the earliest. “It’s been too long. We want synthetic track at the earliest. Nagpur University’s long distance runners are making their presence felt in all India inter-university meets. A synthetic track will definitely help the university produce more medal winners,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also a member of synthetic track technical committee.
“Almost all paper work is complete. I will take the matter with higher authorities. The blue print is ready but due to model code of conduct the process was halted. I will make it sure work starts immediately,” he added.
“Apart from synthetic track, the proposal of indoor stadium is also pending. I will also try to start this work,” said Suryawanshi who represented India at 1987 Poland World Cross Country.
Himself an athlete, Suryawanshi was well aware of the lackadaisical performance of various teams in the West Zone and All India Inter-University meets. He said that he would try to find ways out as to how to improve the performance.
“I will ask all stakeholders for their suggestions on how to improve the performance of teams in all India and West Zone meets. If not all, we can start with a few events where we see the potential. We can hold proper coaching camps and can find out new ways to better the performance,” felt Dr Suryawanshi, a gold medal winner of All India Inter-University Cross Country meet at Chandigarh.
Dr Suryawanshi will also be holding meetings of several sports organisers on how to develop and improve overall performance of players and teams. On Monday, he met officials from athletics, kho-kho and softball.
“We need to meet concerned persons to get their views so that we solve their problems. This might also help in our overall performance,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
The director also wanted to put more responsibilities on selectors of various games who pick teams without watching players during the trials. “I think selectors should watch inter-college meets. If not all, the semi-finals and finals. From there they could get some good players for the trials. There should be more responsibilities on selectors too,” Dr Suryawanshi pointed out.
To develop sports culture, Dr Suryawanshi has decided to organise at least one All India meet.
“We hardly conduct All India Inter-University meets. I would try to get at least one competition every year. That would help us in developing sports culture,” opined Dr Suryawanshi.
“This year we have sent letters to AIU for conducting handball, football, badminton and volleyball all India meets. The schedule is yet to be declared. We may get some of the events,” hoped Dr Suryawanshi.
Dr Suryawanshi was well aware of the walkovers which colleges/teams concede during the inter-college meets. He said he would try to change the pattern of the events so that maximum teams participates.
“Some colleges did not send their teams due to distance of the venue of the competition. We would try to introduce zonal system where teams would get their matches closer to their colleges. But these are only my personal views. We will have to sit with all stakeholders and chalk out a proper, favourable schedule,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Principal of Sharirik Shikshan Mahavidyalaya, Koradi.
With Nagpur shuttlers excelling all over the country and internationally, Dr Suryawanshi said he would make it sure that university players get best slot at Subhedar Hall for practice.
“As the badminton hall is open to all, our players get less priority. We will try to give them the best ‘prime-time slot’ so that can train well and win more medals for the university,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.