By Paritosh Pramanik

IT WAS a warm Monday afternoon and the sun was beating down hard on the lush green Vidarbha Hockey Association turf. Around 50 players from around India were warming up for the selection trials conducted by Accountant General (AG) office but the centre of attraction was at the far end, in the gallery. This German lady in her mid-30s was keenly watching the proceedings on the field. A foreign visitor at VHA was definitely a matter of curiosity. ‘The Hitavada’ find out the German connection in Indian hockey.
Andrea Thumshrin, ‘the foreigner’, is actually helping India in building a pool of hockey talent. The former Grade One German League hockey player had an astonishing tale to share with this newspaper. She sold her flat in Berlin to settle in India and start a hockey academy—Hockey Village India Foundation— in a remote village in Rajasthan. She is a globe-trotter but now finds herself at home in India.
On Jaipur-Agra Highway, in a nondescript village called Garh Himmat Singh in Dosa district, Andrea has started her Hockey Village India a year ago.
“It’s almost a year and half that I started this Hockey India Village. Since last one year I have started training kids from this village which has a population of just around 4000,” said Andrea about her dream project.
Andrea, who has a travel agency in Germany, is a vagabond. She first came to India some 12 years back. It was love at first sight as she fell in love with Jaipur on her first visit.
“I felt like home when I landed at Jaipur. Being a travel agent, I am a globe-trotter but at Jaipur I felt like home,” she said when asked about selecting India as her destination.
It was payback time for Andrea who almost made to the German national team but for a slip disc.
“That was the most unfortunate moment in my career. Had that injury not happened I would have played for the country. But no regrets. The game has given me a lot and I want to pay back,” said the lanky German.
It was a difficult task for Andrea to convince kids and their parents to play hockey. The biggest obstacle was the language barrier.
“To be honest, it was very difficult to convince the villagers that I want to give these kids a better life through sports and education. I didn’t have a clear idea on how and from where I could generate money. Nobody really understood what a white lady was doing in this remote village,” she recalled.
Andrea had to sell her flat in Berlin to fund his dream project.
“Last year I sold my flat to pump in some more money for my foundation. Kids are coming now. At present I have around 60 players, both boys and girls, practicing. We don’t have a full size hockey ground. The field is only a quarter of a full hockey field but the kids are learning and enjoying. Last year we played in the KD Singh Babu tournament in Gwalior. Though we lost, the boys got first experience of their life,” said Andrea with a twinkle in her eyes.
“After hockey World Cup last year, I managed to bring a few veteran players from Vienna to Garh Himmat Singh. They helped me in arranging hockey sticks, T-shirts and other equipment for the budding players,” she said.
Though it is very difficult to run the show, various private sport institutions specialising in hockey, some from Germany, have extended their support to her silent revolution.
“They are of great help. Now I have started to even teach these kids. After all education is also must. We have started with English because that’s language which can bridge the gap fast,” she said.
Andrea now has plans to lay astro-turf at Garh Himmat Singh.
“In Germany there are at least two astro-turfs with each club. I want to have one at Garh Himmat Singh. At present the kids are learning on chat (mud) ground. But I want to see them practice on turf like kids do in Germany,” she concluded.

AG Nagpur to recruit hockey players after 14 years

By Principal Correspondent

THE last time a hockey player got recruited in Accountant General (AG) was way back in 1997. After 14 long years, the one-time champions of League tournament has decided to conduct hockey trials and select five hockey players.
The selection trials started on Monday at Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) ground. A total of seven sportspersons will be selected through sports quota. Hockey got the major share as per their requirement. Football would be getting one and table tennis one.
Accountant General Recreation Club (AGRC) that used to play in local league and district tournament stopped taking part in the league due to paucity of players. The veterans stopped playing and those interested found it difficult to find fresh legs for a tournament. But now the scene would change.
The first day of the two-day trials saw 45 aspirants taking part. The trials would continue on Tuesday morning too. “Football trials would be held at Motibag ground on February 15 while selection for table tennis would be held in 16th. List of all seven selected players would be out within a week’s time,” informed AR Deshpande, Welfare Officer, Audit Office, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
Vinod Gavai, secretary, Vidarbha Hockey Association lauded the move by the government department. “It’s a great news for hockey in the region. From next season we would get one more competitive team for our league. Above all it would be beneficial for players who are in search of job. Recruitment in most of the government departments were nil and with AG starting it, sports recruitment would get a boost. It will also help budding players to take sports.”

Relieved players grateful to WSH for postponing the meet

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Dec 12

INDIAN players as well as coaches of various franchisees welcomed Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus Sports’ decision to postponed the multi-city based World Series Hockey (WSH) stating that the organisers have proved they are organising the multi-million dollar tournament only for the benefit of Indian players.
WSH and IHF have announced new dates for the inaugural edition of WSH which will now start from February 29, 2012 four days after Olympic qualifiers. The opening ceremony and inaugural match of WSH will be held on the February 29 and the final will be held on April One as per the revised schedule.
Twelve current India players have backed out from the tournament including Arjun Halappa and Tushar Khandekar only to be part of the Indian qualifying squad. But after the postponement they thanked said they are grateful to the organisers for changing the dates.
According to a statement released by WSH, the players termed the postponement as the best thing to happen to Indian hockey and said they are committed to play the event after the qualifiers.
FORMER INDIA CAPTAIN ARJUN HALAPPA: World Series Hockey is the best thing to have happened to Indian hockey. I am committed to participate in the inaugural event and extremely grateful to the organisers for shifting the date after the Olympic qualifiers.
TUSHAR KHANDEKAR: This is fantastic news for the players. We were always committed to participate in WSH and the change in date ensures that there is no clash with our national duty. It is going to be a very good opportunity for the Indian players to shine on a global platform.
CHENNAI CHEETAHS CAPTAIN BRENT LIVERMORE: I strongly believe World Series hockey will lead the revival of hockey in India. This decision to reschedule the tournament keeping in mind the interest of the players of the Indian national team reaffirms the commitment that WSH has towards their most important stakeholders. The ongoing preparatory camp is very fruitful in building a cohesive unit and I look forward to coming back and leading the charge for Chennai Cheetahs in February.
CHANDIGARH CAPTAIN REHAN BUTT: The fact that WSH has taken this decision to help solve a big quandary for the players makes me extremely happy and it augurs well for the future of the tournament. I look forward to captaining the Chandigarh team in February.
FORMER INDIA COACH JOSE BRASA (Chennai Cheetahs coach): WSH is a blessing for Indian hockey and they have proved it again by helping the players out from a sticky situation. Now, the players will be able to give their best for India and then get a chance to play in a world class league where the base for a bright future for Indian hockey will be set. I’m eagerly looking forward to coaching the my team from the revised dates.
FORMER INDIA COACH HARENDRA SINGH: For the first time in a long time, a decision has been taken in Indian hockey keeping the players at the forefront. I would like to express genuine respect and admiration for the decision of WSH to reschedule the tournament. The preparatory camps for WSH have begun and I look forward to coaching the Chandigarh team in February as per the revised dates.

VHA-affiliated districts participate in selection trials of Hockey Maharashtra

n By Paritosh Pramanik

IGNORING the warning issued by Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) not to be part of the selection trials conducted by Hockey Maharashtra, players from VHA affiliated districts enrolled themselves for the trials at Wardha on Wednesday.
According to reports, around 70 players from all over Maharashtra took part in the trials.
Players from Jalgaon, Amravati, Wardha, Akola, Beed, Gondia, Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts registered themselves for the three-day trials under way at Chintamani Academy and Management College. All the above mentioned districts are affiliated with VHA.
According to sources around eight players from Nagpur are also taking part in the trials totally ignoring VHA’s warning. Sources said players from Pragmatic Club, Jaibai Chaudhary School, Royal Gondwana Public School and a few from other clubs took part in the trials on the first day. Hockey Maharashtra vice-president TN Sidhra said the response was overwhelming and a few more are expected to join on the morrow.
“It’s a huge response. I was not expecting so many players for the trials. But the schools and clubs showed they want to play hockey and not spoil the future of their players due to the bickering between two hockey factions,” said Sidhra. Players from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Solapur, Sartara are also taking part in the trials.
The selection committee comprises TN Sidhra, Chairman, Prabhakar Bhoge (Wardha), Manish Akre (Yavatmal), Jageshwar Kaithwas and Chandrashekhar (Nagpur).

VHA affiliated school’s instructor is Hockey Maharashtra selector

n By Paritosh Pramanik

JAGESHWAR Kaithwas, working as an instructor with Royal Gondwana Public School (RGPS), an affiliated unit of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), has been appointed as one of the selectors by Hockey Maharashtra.
Interestingly, the school’s director, Deven Dasture, is one of the executive members of VHA.
Hockey Maharashtra is conducting sub-junior selection trials at Wardha from November 16. The selected players will form Maharashtra team that will represent West Zone in the Zonal tournament to be held at Jodhpur. The tournament will be under the banner of Hockey India.
VHA, an Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) loyal, has warned all its affiliated units against taking part in the trials.
Kaithwas has also been appointed as manager-cum-coach of the team which will take part in the sub-junior national tournament to be held at Jodhpur.
Well aware of the fact that he might be sacked from his instructor’s post from the school, Kaithwas has decided to grab the opportunity.
“I have submitted my leave application along with appointment letter I got from TN Sidhra, vice-president Hockey Maharashtra, to the school authorities two days back. Till now I have not got any reply. I will be going for trials in the capacity of a selector. They can sack me but such opportunities do not come everyday,” Kaithwas told ‘The Hitavada’.
Kaithwas lashed out at VHA saying that he was not bothered about the repercussions.
“VHA is doing nothing for coaches, umpires and players. This is a god-send opportunity for me and I want to grab it. I am not worried about the consequences,” stated Kaithwas.
Dasture, on his part, said that RGPS would not send its players for the trials. “I came to know about Kaithwas’ appointment yesterday only. We have not given him permission. Similarly, none of our players would be taking part in the selection trials,” said Dasture.
The executive member also said all three of his schools — RGPS, South Point School, Omkar Nagar and South Point School, Hanuman Nagar were affiliated units of VHA and would stay with the Vidarbha body.
“As far as Kaithwas is concerned, we will take appropriate action against him if he associates himself with the rival body,” Dasture said.
The Hockey Maharashtra trials are going to be held at the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences from November 16 to 18.
Meanwhile, Sidhra has asked all the schools and clubs to send players directly for trials instead of sending them through district associations. “Ours is a new body. The district units are yet to get affiliation hence we have decided to call players directly along with age proofs,” said Sidhra.

Hockey Mah’s selection trials under VHA VP’s guidance!

n By Paritosh Pramanik

THE presence of two bodies, Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation, seems to have resulted in factionalism in the local units too. Wardha District Hockey Association, affiliated with IHF loyal Vidarbha Hockey Association, has ruffled many a feather by allowing Hockey Maharashtra to conduct selection trials at its ground.
Hockey Maharashtra will be holding sub-junior selection trials from November 16 for Hockey India’s forthcoming Jodhpur Nationals.
VHA vice-president Rajendra Sharma has granted permission to hold the trials at the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences at which he is the president.
VHA is fighting with Hockey India and Hockey Maharashtra for its existence since 2008. There were reports that district hockey associations of Nanded, Aurangabad, Parbhani have joined Hockey Maharashtra. And if the sources are to be believed, Wardha too is following them.
Sharma, however, denied any such move and said Wardha District Hockey Association was very much part of VHA.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Sharma said he has only provided the infrastructure for the trials and he is not parting ways with VHA.
“A few days back I got a call from Trilokinath Sidhra. He requested me to help in holding selection trials. We decided to hold the trials at the stadium but as the ground was given for police recruitment, we were unable to get that venue.
“I respect Sidhraji a lot and hence decided to give the ground of Chintamani Academy of Management Sciences. I am president of this organisation so I helped him. This does not mean that I am helping Hockey Maharashtra or going against VHA. I am only promoting the game of hockey,” reasoned Sharma.
Sharma said that the press release was not on Wardha District Hockey Association’s letterhead because WDHA was not associated with this selection trials.
“Had it been in tandem with WDHA, the press release would have been on the letterhead,” Sharma clarified.
Sidhra, who is vice-president of Hockey Maharashtra, accepted he had requested Sharma to provide him the ground.
“I wanted to hold trials in Nagpur but grounds were not available here. We would not have got police ground as recruitment drive is under way. VHA would not give us the ground hence we decided to hold trials in Wardha.”
Sidhra said he was not going against VHA. “I am a life member of VHA. I am not going against the association.
“There are many life members who hold posts on various sports bodies. I have been appointed Hockey Maharashtra’s vice-president about a year ago and I have been asked to hold the selection trials,” Sidhra added.
VHA Secretary Vinod Gavai said that no player affiliated with VHA would be allowed to take part in the trials. “I have asked all the district units and clubs not to send their players for the trials conducted by rival body.”
Gavai added: “Stringent action would be taken against those who participate in the trials, be it player, official or district.”

The umpire who lived for cricket ... forever

Tribute

By Paritosh Pramanik

ON JANUARY 5, 2011, Ganpati Dattatray Bapat had flicked the bails for one last time to call ‘stumps’ in the Guzder Institutional League encounter at the Vayusena Nagar cricket ground. Ten months later the glorious innings of his life has ended. Bapat passed away on November 7 after a prolonged illness. He was admitted to Getwell hospital a few days back.
Born on September 15, 1931, Bapat Sir, for every cricketer in this city, breathed his last on Monday morning at the age of 81.
Not only umpiring, Bapat sir was also a renowned curator of Vidarbha Cricket Association. He prepared the strip from 1970 to 1983. The great ‘young’ old man, after standing in the middle for untold hours, retired after officiating in a Guzder match early this year, at the age of 79. Not because he had got drained out or had got exhausted after officiating for so many years but he had bowed to the loving demands from his family, who cared for him and wanted him not to overstress.
Though looking frail, he was full with zeal. During the inter-press cricket matches of SJAN he was a regular; for many years as the man in the white coat and then as a pure lover of cricket. He would settle on a bench near the fence and get engrossed in the action on the field. His eyes were sharp as ever. “What a beautiful shot,” Bapat Sir would exclaim after a cracking whack. “Standing on the green grass field for years helped me keep my vision clear. I still don’t wear spectacles,” he had said.
Bapat Sir had said his family’s request forced him to retire from umpiring. “I never wanted to retire. I have it in me to stand in the middle for a full day. Yes, the reflexes have gone slow with age but I can still officiate matches. My family members requested me not to exert so much at this age. I remain out of the house for whole day and they get worried. So I decided to quit, though unwillingly,” Bapat sir had revealed then.“They (family members) are right. I am 80 years now. And am not getting any younger,” the smile never waned.
Giving more time to cricket than to his family, the veteran umpire, who had officiated in more than 1000 junior games and around 35 Ranji Trophy matches, had said it was not easy to stay at home after retirement.
“The day after I officiated my last game (Jan 5, 2011), I was very restless. It was for the first time in 50 years I spent time at home. It was an awkward feeling but, as days passed I started getting used to it”.Even after retirement as official Bapat sir used to go to Vidarbha Cricket Association to coach the budding umpires. He also used to spend at least two hours on the ground daily.
It’s stumps for Bapat Sir. This one decision is direct from the Third Umpire sitting up there. Unfortunately it cannot be overruled.
May his soul rest in peace!

WSH can promote hockey in a professional way: Livermore

WSH can promote hockey in a professional way: Livermore

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Oct 31

WITH more than 300 international matches under his belt including two Olympics (2000, 2004), two World Cups (2002, 2006) and more than 10 Champions Trophy tournaments, Australian Brent Livermore, the world acclaimed midfielder, has been there and done that for the Kookaburras. The 37-year-old lanky Gold Coast, Queensland based player feels the World Series Hockey, a joint venture of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and Nimbus, would benefit not only India but also the world hockey.
In an exclusive interview to The Hitavada from Queensland, Livermore said WSH is a prime pathway for aspiring current and future players. It will increase competition with the depth of players from around India. The midfielder said that FIH should support WSH as it is about exposure and it provides FIH and hockey the real opportunity to showcase the best talent in the world.
Excerpts:
How interesting would be the World Series Hockey?
Brent Livermore (BL): WSH is a great initiative not only for hockey in India but also for the world. This will be a prime opportunity to make the game professional for all. With around 150 players from across India it will also help the fringe players to get selected for the national team. Ability and potential is a part of the Indian team. They just need to be more precise with consistency and continuity.
Will Indian juniors gain from this competition?
BL: Indian players and Indian hockey are sure to benefit as it is a prime pathway for aspiring current and future players. It will increase competition with the depth of players from around India. Players, teams and coaches will have a chance to mix styles of play which is going to add to the knowledge and depth of Indian players. I also believe there will be some untapped junior talent which will come of age and become part of the Indian team.
Should FIH support WSH?
BL: For sure. It is about exposure of the best talent in the world and it provides FIH and hockey the real opportunity to showcase the best talent in the world. It has to be about developing the game and therefore it is about the players. Players want to play in the best competitions, against the best players - embrace it and enjoy. I feel for too long the game has been kept amateur and this is one chance to promote the game in a professional manner.
Do you think Hockey India’s stance to threaten those associated with WSH would force players to pull out?
BL: Unfortunately yes. As a player you always want to play at the Olympic Games for your country. You always strive to succeed in the best competition. The Olympics has this. I think it is sad and crazy that everyone does not pull together to embrace all opportunities to showcase the game and its players in all ways.
There is no need to stop players doing what they love doing, and that is playing hockey at the highest level.
As there is no conflicting competitions during this time, all players should play as they will gain once in a lifetime exposure.
I’m not to sure what Hockey India is doing, but if they have the stance mentioned above....well yes...for sure they are keeping the game amateur and not supporting its players to ensure they are best prepared to represent their country.
How much will it benefit foreign players?
BL: It will have a positive global impact. With players from Australia, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, Pakistan etc. already confirming their participation it shows that WSH will be a premium event with the best talent from around the world wanting to play and be part of this exciting venture.
Bhopal has generated a lot of interest from franchises. Would you like to represent the Bhopal outfit?
BL: Personally, I am a profession competitive athlete who embraces any challenge to compete. It does not matter which team or franchise I play for. I will always give my best in trying to get the desired result.
If hockey is strong and popular in Bhopal I would enjoy the opportunity to represent the franchise with hopefully strong support from the locals.

MOCKERY: 20 mins and match is over!

DSO schedules 16 matches in one day

NAGPUR, Oct 13
By Paritosh Pramanik

MATCH duration is 30 minutes. Ten minutes and it’s half-time. Second half begins, as the stopwatch shows 20 minutes the umpire blows the final hooter. The match is over! Budding hockey players leave the field bewildered, looking at their coach (school PTI) asking “Is that all we waited for more than three hours”?
Welcome to District Sports Office (DSO) organised inter-school hockey tournament under way at Dr Ambedkar College ground. The tournament is nothing but a formality. It hardly matters to the officials whether it is played according to rules and for full duration.
On Wednesday, a whopping 16 matches in different age groups were scheduled on only one ground. Officials were told to complete all matches. No postponement for the next day. The helpless umpires and technical officer were forced to reduce the duration of play.
According to sports incharge of one of the schools his team arrived for his match in the afternoon but had to wait for hours.
“We waited for hours for our match. In the end the players got only 20 minutes to play (10 minutes each half). Why does DSO conduct tournaments when they don’t have time,” asked the PTI.
One of the umpires officiating the match said, “Even though we arrive for our match on time DSO does not pay us if the match is a walkover. We are paid a paltry Rs 25 per one completed match.”
“The PTIs call us and request to postpone their match for an hour as students have to appear for examinations. We have instructions from DSO that no team should be given walkover. The match has to be completed even if it is played two hours late,” said one official.
Hockey Incharge of DSO Dilip Itankar first denied that 16 matches were scheduled for a day. But he had to accept the fact when this scribe told him that he had in possession the match schedule.
“Past experience shows that most of the matches do not take place (walkovers). We had an idea that all teams would not come hence these many matches were scheduled.
“The divisional meet is to be held in Wardha from 16th and we have to complete the fixtures,” said Itankar.
According to DSO schedule, there is no half-time break for a match. If a match starts at 9 am, then the second match is scheduled for 9.30 am. Itankar failed to convince how a match could be scheduled immediately after completion of the earlier match. “It gets adjusted,” was his unconvincing reply.

Chetri interview in fieldhockey.com

http://fieldhockey.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/140-i-was-sure-to-get-captains-arm-band-chetri