Nagpur District ‘Unofficial’ Hockey Association!

 

Qureshi running one-man show: Jain 

‘Not a single EC meeting held in 3 years’

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT MIGHT be called as the Nagpur District Unified Hockey Association (NDUHA), but the association’s history is splattered with all unofficial and illegal appointments to its executive committee.

Moreover, those at the helm at present, do not want to correct the wrong-doings of their previous ‘bosses’. As it had happened in the past, the current 17-member body has been formed without following general procedure. The body is not elected but each and every member is hand-picked by a few who also ‘managed’ to find a place in Hockey Maharashtra’s executive committee.

Since Hockey India (HI) came into existence (2008), hockey in Vidarbha in general and Nagpur in particular, has taken a 

beating. 

With Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) getting disaffiliated by HI in 2020, some of the so-called ‘game lovers’ who were sitting on the fence to grab the opportunity, joined hands with Hockey Maharashtra and got NDUHA affiliated.

How Hockey Maharashtra gave the affiliation without following procedure is also a big question. In NDUHA’s case, the body was only on paper, even though it got registered with the Charity Commissioner’s office in 2012.

Going into history, the first NDUHA body had Balraj Aher as its President and Salim Baig as Secretary.

After the demise of Aher, Mamta Vinod Trivedi, was ‘anointed’ as the President for a few months.

Later, the then Secretary Baig decided to hand over the ‘reigns’ to Shoeb Parvez (President) and Pramod Jain became Secretary. All this again took place without any 

elections.

In August 2022, a refurbished NDUHA was declared with Pramod Thakre as its President and Parvez Qureshi as Secretary.

“The present NDUHA body  members were not elected but are hand-picked,” claimed Joint Secretary Pramod Jain.

A peeved Jain claimed that just one executive committee meeting has been called since this body was formed in August 2022.

“Since then the members are kept in the dark by ‘self appointed’ Secretary Parvez Qureshi,” alleged Jain, who was also Joint Secretary of VHA until TN Sidhra  was appointed as the Administrator by High Court.

Interestingly Sidhra, too, was President of one of the NDUHA bodies, if a signed letter by him is to be believed. He had floated a parallel body in 2012 which had Suman Kapoor as Secretary and Shrikant Neral as Treasurer. No other members’ names were mentioned on the signed letter, dated 2/7/2012.

“The first ‘elected’ body of NDUHA had Balraj Aher as President and Salim Baig as its Secretary. As VHA got disaffiliated from Hockey India, I had asked Baig to get NDUHA affiliated with Hockey Maharashtra. He had then handed over the charge to Shoeb and myself.

“Shockingly, I found out that I was removed as the Secretary and Parvez Qureshi anointed himself as NDUHA Secretary,” claimed Jain while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

“There were no elections held and no proper election procedure was followed. Pramod Thakre, who once conducted an all India Under-17 hockey tournament in Kalmeshwar, was declared as the President with Qureshi Secretary and Anil Daral as its Treasurer,” stated Jain. “All the decisions were taken by Qureshi without any consent of executive members. He himself removed Shoeb Parvez the then President, and vice-presidents Noel Joseph and Sunil Madne without any notice,” alleged Jain.

Bringing forth the dictator-like attitude of Qureshi, Jain stated that a new post was created out of nowhere. “Qureshi made Sandip Joshi as the Working President of NDUHA without anybody’s consent. There was no such post earlier. Parvez is running a one-man show and is calling all the shots.” Jain said.

Since this current body came into existence (2022), not a single tournament has been conducted by NDUHA, hampering the future of hockey players of the district. As per the rules, each district has to organise six tournaments annually (sub-junior, junior and senior) in both men and women sections. If they fail their affiliation with the State body (Hockey Maharashtra) seizes automatically. However, Hockey Maharashtra did not take any action on NDUHA, till date.

Parvez Qureshi is Vice-President of Hockey Maharashtra. Jain also alleged that Hockey Maharashtra is itself not following its constitution. He stated that Manoj Bhore who is Senior Vice-President in the State body created the post for himself. “The post of Senior Vice-President is created only to accommodate Bhore in Hockey Maharashtra. As per constitution, he has to follow cooling-off period after being in the association for two terms (eight  years). But he told me that ‘the constiution has been changed and he can stay for one more term’,” said Jain.

It is a messy affair in NDUHA which could be termed as Nagpur District ‘Unofficial’ Hockey Association!

Adv Wanjarri bats for VHA’s recognition

Raises issue of VHA’s disaffiliation by Hockey Mah in State Assembly

Special Correspondent

Member of Legislative Council from Nagpur Advocate Abhijit Wanjarri has raised the issue of Vidarbha Hockey Association’s (VHA) disaffiliation by Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey India (HI) during the State Budget Session in Assembly on Friday.

Adv Wanjarri also informed the House how Hockey Maharashtra is run illegally and has two Constitutions of the association.

‘The Hitavada’, in its Friday’s issue, published a report about alleged violation in team selection and how Hockey Maharashtra is allegedly violating the of Sports Code and HI Constitution. 

Speaking during the Question Hour, Adv Wanjarri informed the House about the inception of VHA which is much older than the State of Maharashtra and asked the Government to take the matter seriously and grant VHA its membership status.

“VHA was formed in 1959, much before the formation of State of Maharashtra and has produced many national and international level hockey players. During the CP and Berar Provinces, there were 22 districts affiliated with Vidarbha,” Adv Wanjarri informed the House.

He further said that after formation of the State, Marathwada and Vidarbha got merged into Maharashtra.

Wanjarri did not oppose the one-state-one-unit decision of Hockey India and IOA but said that VHA has been at the forefront of promoting hockey in and around Vidarbha since many years. “The players of Vidarbha are suffering because of politics. 

Adv Wanjarri also claimed that there is a big corruption going on in Hockey Maharashtra. “The election of Hockey Maharashtra was flawed. The constitution of Hockey Maharashtra put up on its website is different from the one available with the charity commissioner’s office,” claimed Adv Wanjarri.

“How can be there two constitutions of one association,” Adv Wanjarri questioned.

“Members of Hockey Maharashtra are hand in gloves with some of officials of Hockey India and disqualified Vidarbha Hockey Association, which has produced several top level players,” claimed Adv Wanjarri.

The Nagpur MLC requested State Sports Minister Dattatray Bharne to open up an inquiry into the entire matter and punish the culprits.

After taking 344 First-Class wickets, Wakhare retires on a high

By Paritosh Pramanik

WITH 105 First-Class matches and a whopping 344 wickets, Vidarbha off-spinner felt it’s time to go on a high as he announced his retirement from cricket on the day when his side claimed third Ranji title defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead at VCA Jamtha Stadium on Sunday.

Though Wakhare was part of the 17-member squad, he was not picked in playing XI for the summit clash with the selectors and team management putting faith on two young let-arm spinners in young Harsh Dubey, tournament’s highest wicket taker with 69 scalps, and newcomer Parth Rekhade.

Wakhare, who made his debut against the same side in 2006 at Pallakad, decided to call it quits as he felt that the Vidarbha’s spin department is “in good hands now.”

The lanky offie was part of the two previous title wining Vidarbha teams.

He was part of 2017-18 and 2018-19 teams which were led by Faiz Fazal.

“I am very happy for Akshay. The way he played his cricket and what he has given for Vidarbha is immense. I am sure he would continue to fetch success in his life ahead. All the best to him. He was part on my teams which won the first two Ranji titles. And calling it quits on this big day (another Ranji title) is the right time,” Fazal, who was present at the ground to watch Vidarbha lift the title, said.

The 39-year-old finger spinner Wakhare was once the mainstay of Vidarbha bowling and paired up with Aditya Sarvate, who now plays for Kerala, to win many a battle for the side.

With former spinner Pritam Gandhe at the helm, Wakhare had to wait for his turn. But once Gandhe retired, Wakhare cemented his place in the Vidarbha squad.

“It was a great journey. I am at peace with my decision. This was the right time to retire..... retire on a high with third Ranji title,” Wakhare said after the match. Wakhare became the fourth Vidarbha cricketer to play 100 First-Class matches after Faiz Fazal (138), Umesh Yadav (124, including Test matches) and Gandhe (100).

His 13 for 162 against Karnataka in the 2017 semi-final was his best performance till date while he has taken five wickets in an innings on 21 occasions at an average of 28.42.

Wakhare said he has not yet decided what’s next for him after cricket. “I have not yet decided about future. At the moment I would like to take rest and be with my family,” he added.

Wakhare said he will not be playing as a pro for any side in coming years.

“Not at all. I have not thought about playing for any side as a pro. Neither I will take up coaching job in near future,” the spinner who has played 11 Duleep Trophy matches, said.

Wakhare’s former captain Faiz Fazal, under whose leadership Vidarbha had won the Ranji Trophy twice, played tributes to Wakhare. “He is one of the best off-spinners in the country. He bowled his heart out for Vidarbha. I couldn’t have asked for more as a captain. I wish him all the best,” Fazal said. 

Wakhare was felicitated by VCA with a silver salver by  VCA President, Justice Vinay M Deshpande (former judge of the Bombay High Court). 

Secretary, Sanjay Badkas, Treasurer CA Arjun Phatak, Joint-Secretary Gautam Kale, CADC Chairman Prashant Vaidya and a host of other VCA officials were also present.

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WINDFALL: VCA showers cash awards upon team, support staff

Team gets Rs 3 crore

Spinner Harsh Dubey Rs 25 lakh

Karun Nair, Yash Rathod Rs 10 lakh each

Coach Usman Ghani Rs 15 lakh

Support staff Rs 

lakh each

Manager, Massuer, side-arm thower Rs 2 lakh each

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE third Ranji Tropy title victory forced Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) loosen its purse strings and showers cash rewards on its players and support staff.

Vidarbha clinched their third Ranji title defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’ after announcing the rewards to the players at the centre of the field, VCA President Justice Vinay M Deshpande, former Judge of Bombay High Court, said that the association is very happy with the performance of the team in the entire tournament.

Vidarbha have won nine of the 10 matches they played in Ranji Trophy this season, which reflects the dominance of the team in India’s top domestic competition.

“I have announced Rs 3 crore reward to the title winning Vidarbha team,” said an elated VCA President Deshpande.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 69 wickets and scored 476 runs in a season, and won man of the tournament award, has been rewarded with Rs 25 lakh

Similarly, Karun Nair, who hit nine centuries with five in Hazare Trophy and four in Ranji Trophy, and Yash Rathod who scored 960 runs this season have been rewarded with Rs 10 lakh each. Head coach Usman Ghani will get Rs 15 lakh while assistant coach Atul Ranade, S&C coach Yuvraj Singh Dasondhi, physio Dr Nitin Khurana, Video Analyst Amit Manikrao will get Rs 5 lakh each.

The Massuer Rajsingh Chandel, side arm thrower Yash Thorat and manager Jitendra Darbhe will be rewarded with Rs 2 lakh each.

“I believe in giving. The more you give the more you get. The team has done exceptionally well and it is there to be seen. Just now I appreciated and congratulated them and announced the rewards,” a benevolent Deshpande told ‘The Hitavada’, after his mid-ground  huddle with the champion squad ended with a huge round of applause.

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I would love to stay with Vid team: Nair

By Paritosh Pramanik

When Karnataka Cricket Association shut the doors on Karun Nair, Vidarbha gracefully took him into its arms (team).

Nair, who was fighting to revive his career, got a fresh lease of life and managed to attract national selectors’ attention with his powerful display in all the three format of domestic competition.

Playing for Vidarbha, Nair hit 255 runs in six innings in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and then slammed five centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy scoring 799 runs. 

He extented his purple patch in Ranji Tropy with 863 runs as Vidarbha claimed their third title defeating Kerala.

When asked by this scribe about his future plans, Nair said, “I would love to stay with Vidarbha, where I managed to revive my career. But at present I am looking forward to IPL (picked by Delhi Capitals). 

“But yes, I would love to stay with this team,” Nair said after the presentation ceremony at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium on Sunday.

Joshi alleges violation in selection process by Hockey Maharashtra

 

Writes to Hockey India seeking action against State unit

Special Correspondent

Mar 21, 2025

THE Secretary of District Hockey Association of Wardha Krishna Joshi has alleged violation in the selection process of the men’s hockey team selected by Hockey Maharashtra (HM) and has requested Hockey India to take action against the State Unit.

In his letter to Hockey India, Joshi alleged that Hockey Maharashtra has not conducted any intra and inter-district hockey tournaments which is necessary to pick players for the selection trials. 

“Hockey Maharashtra is not conducting the Intra-District and Inter-District Championships, which are mandatory under Chapter 2 of Guidelines for Selection Trials of Hockey India Member Units. The selection trial lasted only for three hours,” alleged Joshi who is also the Co-ordinator of TN Sidhra, Administrator of Vidarbha Hockey Association.

“The Intra-District and Inter-District Championships are aimed at ensuring mass participation, fair competition and merit-based team selection, especially for talented players from under-represented and rural districts,” Joshi’s letter to Hockey India, which is also posted on the facebook page of Wardha District Hockey, stated.

HI Secretary Bhola Singh was also tagged to the post with all the letters and part of Hockey India Constitution attached.

Joshi requested Hockey India to direct Hockey Unit of Maharashtra to immediately cancel the direct selection trials and instead conduct proper Intra-District and Inter-District Championships as per Hockey India’s selection framework.

‘HOCKEY MAHARASHTRA VIOLATING HI CONSTITUTION’

The Wardha district Secretary Joshi also alleged that Hockey Maharashtra has two constitutions which is in violation of Sports Code and HI Constitution. HM has also granted affiliation to parallel district units, he alleged. “Hockey Maharashtra has granted affiliations to parallel district associations despite the matter being sub-judice before Bombay High Court,” he alleged. Joshi also claimed that the elected members of Hockey Maharashtra have not observed mandatory cooling off period as per Sports Code and are continuing in the office even after two successive terms.

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HM SECRETARY ANAND LAUGHS OFF AT BASELESS ALLEGATIONS

HOCKEY Maharashtra (HM) Secretary Manish Anand laughed off at the baseless allegations from Krishna Joshi.

Anand said Hockey Maharashtra is following all the rules and regulations of Hockey India and all the tournaments are being organised regularly.

“Why should I comment on the baseless allegations of somebody who posted some letters on social media. We have not received any letter from Hockey India to explain anything. We are following all the guidelines and are conducting tournaments regularly. Everything is there on our official social media page,” stated Anand while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

Anand said hockey in Maharashtra is growing and those against us are jealous of the state’s success.

“Our teams are winning medals at national level. Hockey in Maharashtra is going upwards and we might also get another national level tournament in coming months. Apart from that we are also planning to hold an Asian hockey meet. This is only because we are successful since past several years.

“We have conducted the elections as per the Constitution which was held under HI observer. Had there been any illegality, Hockey India would have objected,” clarified Anand.