By Paritosh Pramanik
Aug 23, 2025
Hockey talent of the city is going to shores. For decades, players of the city have shown immense talent but lack of proper infrastructure and controversies surrounding the game in the city, has forced the dribblers to move to greener pastures.
Players like Niyaz Rahim, Aakib Rahim, Himanshi Gawande and a few others have moved away from Vidarbha only to secure a place of pride in Indian hockey.
Now, another senior player, Irshad Mirza, will be once again seen in action during the second season of Premier Hockey League in Sri Lanka.
The lanky striker has been picked by Sri Lanka Police for the coming season which will begin in the month of November.
A total of 10 teams will be vying for the top honours and Mirza would try to help his side Sri Lanka Police win the title.
“Last year, I played the Sri Lanka Premier Hockey League for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
“This year, too, there were offers from Sri Lankan Army, Air Force, Royal College Hockey Club and Sri Lanka Police. All the teams fought hard but in the end it was the police team which managed to acquire my services during the bidding,” said Irshad while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.
The Sri Lanka Air Force, of which Irshad was part, finished second best last year losing the final to Sri Lankan Army.
“This year, I hope to do well for the Sri Lanka Police. The hockey structure is getting better in Sri Lanka and it is a good opportunity for us Indian players to show our talent,” said Irshad who has been a veteran in Indian domestic hockey, having played for more than half a dozen States in Hockey India nationals. He is also a regular member of Central Railways Headquarters team, and currently employed with Central Railways, Nagpur.
“This year, Sri Lanka Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, BRC, CH, CR, Old Senanayakians Sports Club (DS) and Royal College Hockey Club are among the nine formidable teams that will compete in the tournament,” informed Irshad who grew up playing hockey with Orange City Club, which was started by his late father Iqbal Mirza.
Like all the other players, Irshad felt that hockey players from Vidarbha and specially from Nagpur are best in the State. What is needed is to groom the talent with proper facilities and match practise.
“We have the best players in the State. I can confidently say that we (players of Nagpur and a few from other districts of Vidarbha) can beat teams of Hockey Maharashtra. We have immense talent. Only thing is we lack infrastructure and game time.
“The poor state of affairs in running the game in the city is also hampering the players’ prospects. What is the fault of players in these controversies which has surrounded the game for decades,” he asked.
“I wish everyone come together to take hockey of Nagpur to greater heights.”
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