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Staff Reporter
INDICATING that it would like to have a firm assurance from Hockey India about protection of future of hockey players belonging to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Friday asked the apex body whether VHA could be permitted to participate in hockey activities to be conducted by Hockey India under the banner of VHA.
VHA sought parity with Vidarbha Cricket Association and stated that both VHA and VCA were protecting interests of hockey and cricket players by allowing them to participate in national level tournaments while repeatedly making it clear that VHA was not interested in getting voting rights.
Both VHA and VCA were formed during earlier CP and Berar and while other two hockey associations in Maharashtra functional, the VHA should be allowed to retain its existence for the benefit of players from Vidarbha, Marathawada and Khandesh region, VHA demanded while seeking urgent relief.
Hockey India had decided to disaffiliate VHA from July 1. VHA claimed that it was in existence since 1959 and applying one state one unit norm of Justice (retd) R M Lodha committee report applied to Cricket Boards would be unfair and unjust to VHA, which was not interested in getting voting right at all.
A division bench consisting of Justice Ravi Deshpande and Justice Amit Borkar, while hearing a petition filed by VHA against the decision of Hockey India to disaffiliate the unit, sought to know whether it would continue participation of VHA members under their existing banner in the sports activities carried out by the federation.
Hockey India counsel Adv Shreerang Bhandarkar informed that the apex body would recognise only Hockey Maharashtra as a single unit for the state and VHA is free to participate through the state body. But this in effect, will reduce opportunity for players from Vidarbha at national level, the VHA requested to allow its separate participation only in sporting activities. Adv Anand Parchure, appearing for the VHA, sought such a promise from Hockey India and the High Court also asked Adv Bhandarkar to file a specific pursis on this point before the next hearing slated on July 30.
According to VHA, in Maharashtra, there are three units including VHA at Nagpur representing 22 districts of Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada hockey players, Mumbai Hockey Association at Mumbai and Maharashtra Hockey Association at Pune. VHA has a glorious past and is in possession of 3.80 acre land at Civil Lines and 2.5 acre land at Sadar since six decades, where regular hockey tournaments and camps are held for players since decades.
The petitioner-association repeatedly stated that it was fighting the battle to retain the existence for the sake of the career of hundreds of hockey players of the region and was not interested in affairs of the national body now known as Hockey India (earlier Indian Hockey Federation). VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra in his petition also pointed out earlier attempts to dissuade Hockey India not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships. The letter was sent to Hockey India on February 19, 2020 followed by another representation dated May 29 but till date no reply has been received by the association, stated Adv Anand Parchure appearing for VHA.
On June 3, VHA forwarded the annual subscription fee, but the same was returned by Hockey India stating that since the VHA’s membership would cease to exist on July 1, there was no question of accepting the subscription fees, forcing VHA to knock the doors of the High Court.
On January 6, 2020, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s one state one unit diktat. VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is a Permanent Member of HI.
VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams have participated in Hockey India organised nationals. Non affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India and put careers of budding players in jeopardy, the petitioner apprehended.
Staff Reporter
WITH the sword of disaffiliation hanging on its head, the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) on Friday moved the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court seeking urgent stay to the decision of Hockey India to disaffiliate VHA from July 1. VHA claimed that it was in existence since 1959 and applying ‘One State One Unit’ norm of Justice (retd) R M Lodha Committee report that applied to Cricket Boards would be unfair and unjust to VHA. In fact, VHA was not interested in getting voting right at all.
A division bench consisting of Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Anil Kilor issued notice to Hockey India and posted the matter for final disposal on June 26.
According to VHA, in Maharashtra, there are three units including VHA at Nagpur representing 22 districts of Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada hockey players, Mumbai Hockey Association and Maharashtra Hockey Association at Pune. VHA has a glorious past and is in possession of 3.80 acre land at Civil Lines and 2.5 acre land at Sadar since five decades, where regular hockey tournaments and camps are held for players
since decades.
The petitioner-association repeatedly stated that it was fighting the battle to retain the existence for the sake of the career of hundreds of hockey players of the region and was not interested in affairs of the national body now known as Hockey India (earlier Indian Hockey Federation).
VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra in his petition also pointed out earlier attempts to dissuade Hockey India not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships. The letter was sent to Hockey India on February 19, 2020 followed by another representation dated May 29 but till date no reply has been received by the association, stated
Adv Anand Parchure appearing for VHA.
On June 3, VHA forwarded the annual subscription fee, but the same was returned by Hockey India stating that since the VHA’s membership would cease to exist on July 1, there was no question of accepting the subscription fees, forcing VHA to knock the doors of the High Court.
On January 6, 2020, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s ‘One State One Unit’ diktat. VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is a Permanent Member of HI. VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams have participated in Hockey India organised nationals. Non-affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India and put careers of budding players in jeopardy, the petitioner apprehended while seeking stay to this move detrimental to the interests of hockey players.
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Since there was no reply from Hockey India I had no other option but to move court. I have already said that VHA is not interested in vote policy. We have never voted in Hockey India nor we want any voting power in future. VHA only wants it’s players get chance to play in Hockey India organised national championships. We have never received any benefits from HI nor are we want any financial grant from them. We only want to protect and safeguard interest of players from the region. —TN Sidhra
By Paritosh Pramanik
AFTER several athletes flouted guidelines put up by the district athletics association as well as the physical education department of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Secretary, Nagpur District Athletics Association, who is also the Director of RTMNU Department of Physical Education and Sports asked all coaches and athletes to follow the rules strictly or face strict action.
Dr Suryawanshi took cognisance of the report published in ‘The Hitavada’ with pictures of athletes training at the Reshimbagh ground a couple of days back. He asked coaches to strictly maintain social distancing which was not visible during the training.
Athletes as well as coaches were seen flouting guidelines put up by the civic authorities. NDAA held a meeting and issued several guidelines for athletes and coaches. “We had opened University track for athletes but had to close it down after two days as social distancing norms and other guidelines were not followed. We will reopen the ground from Monday and have asked all the coaches and athletes to follow the rules,” said Dr Suryawanshi while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.
“Those (college students) not following rules will be denied entry into the ground. At university ground, we have issued cards to athletes and coaches. If the rules are not followed we will cancel their entry cards,” warned Dr Suryawanshi.
“Violators of rules training at different venues like Reshimbagh will not be allowed to attend trials for the inter-district competitions,” Dr Suryawanshi informed.
“Strict orders are given to the guard at the gate when we reopen the university ground from Monday,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
“Not only players, even coaches, if found guilty for not adhering to the guidelines, will be taken to task,” said Dr Suryawanshi.
Not only at RTM Nagpur Univeristy’s ground, athletes will have to follow guidelines at Reshimbagh ground as well and at all other places.
“Athletes will have to follow the rules where ever they train. Even coaches will have to keep a tab on each and every player whether he/she is following the rules or not,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
“We have asked athletes to jog on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) and always maintain distance. Even while warming up this has to be followed,” Dr Suryawanshi further said. “Most of our athletes come from lower-middle class and reside in congested areas. It is important to guide them the benefits of social distancing and maintaining hygiene. Coaches will have to teach this to the athletes,” he concluded.
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Guidelines for athletes, coaches
Athletes, coaches should wear facemasks all the time
All athletes, coaches should carry hand sanitisers and use them frequently
Only 20 athletes permitted (in a group of not more than five) on a 400-m track at any given time
All athletes, coaches will have to maintain physical distancing
Athletes should jog, run on even numbered lanes (2, 4, 6, 8) of the track
Athletes are not allowed to warm-up and cool down in group
Athletes must bring their own mat for stretching exercises
Every athlete will have to carry a kit bag. Nakpins used to wipe sweat, changers, shoes should be kept in the bag immediately after the practice
Every athlete, coach must carry his/her own water bottle. Sharing of water bottles not permitted
Shoes, socks changers, tracksuit to be washed daily
Equipment should be sanitised by the athlete before and after training
Athletes, coaches suffering with cough, cold, fever should stay at home
Proper distance (at least 5 metres) should be maintain by coaches while giving instructions to athletes
Handshakes, high-fives, hugs strictly not permissible
Parents not allowed near the training area
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By Paritosh Pramanik
TOP flight football clubs of the city will get an opportunity to train on the lush green lawn
turf of Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Football Stadium prior to this season’s competition.
The Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) is planning to allow only Elite and Super Division clubs to train at the new stadium to get the feel of the turf.
With the sporting activities crawling back to normalcy after more than two months of lockdown which was imposed do break the chain of deadly coronavirus, footballers clubs will certainly begin their practice in coming days.
There are 10 clubs that participate in Elite Division while 12 take part in Super Division.
Rahul Sankrutyayan Sports Association are the defending champions of the 2019 edition of the JSW Elite Division Football Championship. In the entertaining final, they had ousted reigning champions Young Muslim Football Club (YMFC) in sudden death (5-3) to wrest the title.
Though there is a big question mark over the start of competitions across all divisions, clubs might start their training during this monsoon season.
Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, NDFA President Haresh Vora said that they will readily allow clubs to train on the new turf.
“The Elite and Super Division Clubs will be permitted to train and play a couple of practice matches on the new lawn turf. It is necessary for them to get the feel of the newly laid lawn. This will also help them adjust to the ground conditions,” stated Vora.
The best thing is that NDFA won’t charge for practice from the clubs. “The ground is of players and clubs. We won’t charge a penny from the clubs,” stated Vora. The ground is ready for action and the work of erecting goalposts is remaining.
The washrooms and changing rooms are ready.
“In a day or two goalposts will be erected on the ground. Water connection to toilets and washrooms are completed,” said Vora.
Though the Nagpur Civic authority has permitted outdoor exercise with social distancing and other guidelines, NDFA is yet to chalk out any such guidelines.
“We have not yet given any guidelines to clubs. We will be holding our executive meeting soon and then we will decide on forming any set of rules for players and clubs,” added Vora.
“We will be strictly asking every club to bring doctor’s certificate of each and every player before the match. This rule is very old but was not followed by the clubs. But after the coronavirus pandemic, we will be following this rule very strictly. No player will be allowed to play a match without doctor’s certificate,” he asserted. “At present, work of clearing out the weeds from the ground is on full swing. In the first year we will have to take utmost care of the lawn as the unwanted weeds damages the lawn. From next year it would not trouble that much.” informed Vora.
As the maintenance cost would be high NDFA is also planning to rent out the ground to corporate houses for their ‘matches’.
“We will be requiring a lot of money to maintain this turf and also the entire stadium. We are planning to rent out the stadium to big corporate houses and in return request them to help us in maintaining the stadium,”
said Vora.
“If a corporate house helps us in constructing spectators gallery then we can allot them the ground for, say, one month in a year. Similar things can be worked out once we sit together with the interested parties,” Vora, who is also Vice-President of Western India Football Association, said.
ALREADY under pressure to produce match-winning performances in the batsmen-dominated game, International Cricket Council Cricket Committee’s new guidelines restricting use of saliva to shine the ball has made it more difficult for the speed merchants all over the globe.
Bowlers use saliva on the red cherry in an attempt to keep the shine on one side intact which helps in swinging their deliveries. But due to the coronavirus, which spreads through contacts, ICC’s new rules, though temporary, have made life more difficult for the pacers.
‘The Hitavada’s Paritosh Pramanik talked with India pacer Umesh Yadav on the issue and also on the alternative to saliva. The speedster, who recently completed 10 years in international cricket, also shared his views on India’s forthcoming tour of Australia in October and the time he judiciously used during the long lockdown. A veteran of Indian cricket with 46 Tests, 75 ODIs, 7 T20Is and 119 IPL games, Umesh used the time during lockdown to recover from niggles and strengthen his weak areas.
Excerpts:
Q: How much will the ICC decision of banning use of saliva to shine the ball impact a pace bowler?
Umesh: I think it would be a bit difficult to bowl without the use of saliva. Using saliva to shine the ball is part of the sport since ages. I think saliva is more helpful than sweat (in shining the ball) because of the layer it forms. We will come to know about the difficulties only after we start bowling in the nets. Then only we can raise our concerns on what difficulties we are facing and how the ball is behaving.
Q: Should there be an alternative?
Umesh: I don’t know what will be the alternative to use of saliva. The only other option we have is sweat on the body. You can shine the ball by vigorously rubbing it on your trousers after applying sweat on it. ICC has put up several guidelines and we will have to check all those first.
Q: India’s tour to Australia is scheduled in October. How would the Indian pacers tackle Aussie batsmen in their home conditions?
Umesh: There is still time for India’s tour of Australia. Our home training itself is yet to start. Let the training begin first. Once we start training then only we will discuss on how to tackle and handle Aussie batsmen. This is not our first tour, we have played there earlier also and we are playing against and with the Australians quite frequently in the recent past. We will plan accordingly how to tackle the new batsmen, if any, in their side. First, we have to start our
training and make ourselves match fit.
Q. Who do you think will be more impactful -- seamers or spinners -- in Australia?
Umesh: I can’t say who would be more impactful. Every bowler would try to give his best. There might be a bowler who would bowl exceptionally well but won’t get wickets...There might be a time, an out-of-form bowler getting wickets. So, it depends on situation, condition and on your luck. It would depend on bowlers’ form, in what phase they are and how the conditions are. India boast of excellent bowlers, be it seamers or spinners, and I think someone would definitely deliver his best.
Q: How did you use this forced break of more than two months?
Umesh: I think this lockdown is for everyone and all are using this break in the best possible way. After playing international cricket continuously without break, players are using this time to recuperate from niggles and injuries. I am also using this time to iron out my weaknesses and build strength on those parts of body that were weak. I am also working on building my strength and trying to recover from those minor niggles so that when I return to the field after two months’ break, I would feel fresh and energetic.
Q: Did this unwanted break make negative impact on your fitness as a bowler?
Umesh: I don’t think that it would have any negative impact on players’ mind. It depends on an individual how he trains to keep himself fit, how he keeps himself positive. Even if you are at home, you get ample of time for training and fitness. Yes, I am unable to bowl and not getting the feel of the ground during this break. However, I think when cricket resumes, we will get those feelings back. The rhythm will be back within a few sessions of training. The most important thing is to keep the body fit and stay in a positive frame of mind.
Q: What is your take on the relaxation granted by the government for outdoor exercises?
Umesh: It is a good news for all sportspersons that government has permitted outdoor training and exercise. To get back in rhythm, it is important to be on the field and I think we should use this time judiciously.
Q: Any message for citizens for this unlocking period?
Umesh: I would appeal citizens to strictly follow the rules put up by the authorities, maintain social distancing, wash your hands frequently, use sanitisers, wear masks whenever you are in public, use gloves and avoid going to crowded places. I request all to avoid moving out of house unless it is very important. If we follow the rules we will beat coronavirus. Have patience and stay safe.
International carrom champ Irshad finding it difficult to make ends meet
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE wheels have stopped rolling in March. So did his daily income. Despite conquering the world of carrom at the turn of last year at Pune, Irshad Ahmed, city’s International Carrom Federation Cup champion, is now forced to feed his huge family of 11 members on the generosity shown by his friends from India and world over.
With no job, the talented carrom champion Irshad drives autorickshaw to earn his living. But since the deadly coronavirus took the entire globe in its grip, Irshad has lost his daily income which he used to earn by ferrying commuters.
The lockdown which has been imposed to break the chain of COVID-19 since March has put brakes on Irshad’s earnings.
Irshad might have pocketed many a black and white slam but the lockdown has left his pockets empty, literally.
“I am the eldest among five brothers. My father lost job after Empress Mill was closed. Since then I am taking care of my family. My younger brother Shamshad Ahmed and I drive auto in turns to feed our family. One of my younger brothers used to work at a printing press in Mahal but since it is also closed, he is jobless. I have three kids with the eldest son aged 10. For a few days we managed to somehow survive on my savings. But that evaporated in no time,” Irshad, who lives in Mominpura, told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Today I am finding it hard to feed my family,” the 37-year-old admitted.
It would have been very difficult for Irshad to arrange two square meals had his carrom-mates from UAE, UK, USA
and India not helped him financially.
Last December, Irshad defeated Prashant More of Mumbai in a fierce battle to wrest the title. But that rivalry was restricted to the carrom board only. It was More who came forward and financially helped Irshad in this hour of need.
“I am highly indebted to More who helped me financially and also asked a few players from England (Mohammed Ali), UAE (Mohammed Azam) USA (Vishal Kalangutkar) to support me. Even Alimuddin Mulla and Amey Kulkarni (both from Mumbai) helped me and I am grateful to all of them. But I can’t feed my family always on my friends’ help,” he said.
“I know the entire world is suffering due to this pandemic and we should support our government and the frontline warriors at this time. But I think government should help us needy sportspersons in providing jobs. When I won the world title (which is also known as Mini World Cup with 16 nations’ participation) in December, Girish Vyasji (MLC) assured me a job. But till date nothing has happened. Still, I am hopeful,” said Irshad, who has won several state and national level titles, the latest being the state ranking meet in February.
Incidentally, Vyas is Patron of All India Carrom Fededation.
Irshad said it is very taxing while driving and then practising carrom.
“My arms and muscles get stiff after driving autorickshaw whole day. I need to massage them in night so that I can practice. It’s very painful when I sit and practice, my fingers shudder,” Irshad revealed his ordeal.
“My mother stitches clothes but since last three months she is also jobless,” Irshad said with a choked voice.
What is more painful for Irshad is that none of the Vidarbha Carrom Association officials, whom he represents in National meets, has come forward to help him. “I have won many a medal for them (VCA) but till date not a single official came to meet me leave aside making a courtesy call,” lamented Irshad.
“I think they should help me in getting a decent job,” he added.
Irshad hopes soon he would be back on the driver’s seat, though reluctantly.
Since three months, VHA Administrator Sidhra waiting for Hockey India’s reply
By Paritosh Pramanik
IN A valiant attempt to save the rightful existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) and career of hundreds of hockey players of the region, High Court appointed VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra has written a letter to Hockey India requesting them not to disaffiliate the association and let its players participate in Hockey India organised national championships.
The letter was sent to Hockey India in February but till date no reply has been received by the association which has its headquarters in Nagpur.
“On Wednesday also I had a talk with Cdr RK Srivastava (VSM), Executive Director, Hockey India but there was no reply to the letter which I mailed to them. He only asked me to update the players registration on the portal,” Sidhra told ‘The Hitavada’ on Friday.
In January this year, Hockey India had asked VHA and several other Associate Units to get merge with their State bodies by June 30, 2020, citing Indian Olympic Association’s One-State-One Unit diktat.
VHA was asked to merge with Hockey Maharashtra which is Permanent Member of HI.
VHA was incorporated as an Associate Member with Hockey India in June 2013 after the then president BC Bhartia and secretary Vinod Gawai, fought for its inclusion. Since then VHA teams participated in Hockey India organised nationals.
The then Hockey India Secretary Narinder Batra had even welcomed VHA with open arms and had assured it of full support. “I welcome Vidarbha Hockey Association for their entry into Hockey India as an Associate Member. Vidarbha Hockey Association, who have their own Hockey grounds, needs to make best use of their facilities and produce more and more players. Hockey India will give its full support to Vidarbha Hockey Association for the development of the sport in their areas. I am hopeful that Vidarbha Hockey Association will put in its best efforts to promote the game at grassroot level by organising more and more tournaments in Nagpur and nearby areas,” Batra had said.
However, in January this year, citing IOA diktat, Hockey India gave VHA and 10 other Associate Members six months’ time to get merge with their State Units.
VHA Administrator Sidhra, in his letter, stated that VHA is around 60 years old hockey governing body of Vidarbha and was associated with the federation (the erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation) since 1960. He also informed that Nagpur, the headquarters of VHA, had played host to many invitational and show matches between India and visiting European teams in 80s.
“Vidarbha has a rich culture of hockey since many decades. The association has 22 affiliated districts from Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada. We are not interested in voting rights of Hockey India. We only want all our teams (six) to participate in Hockey India organised nationals. We want to secure career of our players,” Sidhra stated.
Sidhra further wrote, “In 1960, Government of Maharashtra allotted land to VHA (3.80 acre in Civil Lines and 2.5 acre in Sadar area) and regular camps and tournaments are being held for all age groups.
There are 20 Permanent Members of Hockey India (with voting rights) but with 46 Units the Associate Members are much more than permanent members. It also includes departmental teams like ITBP Central Hockey Team, Defence Accounts Sports Control Board, All India Customs & GST, Air India Sports Promotion Board, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to name a few. Apart from this there are 31 Academies associated with Hockey India which participate in nationals while two Hoc-Key Members take part in the lower age groups.
“It would be a disaster and unkind on budding players if Vidarbha teams are not allowed to participate in nationals. Non affiliation from Hockey India might also bring downfall of the game in central India. Just like Hockey India has given affiliation to several academies and other departmental units, I request Hockey India to keep VHA’s Associate Membership intact in interest of the game and players,” Sidhra said.
“We have two hockey grounds in the heart of the city. A separate office building is there and construction work for another building which will also have separate changing rooms for boys and girls is under way. All this is being done from MPs fund. We are not getting any grant from Hockey India but still are managing to arrange funds of around 10-15 lakh from our well-wishers. We are totally devoted to promote the game in the region. I hope Hockey India listen to our genuine request,” said Sidhra.
The new norm of sports post COVID-19
By Paritosh Pramanik
SPORTS would not be the same post COVID-19. A lot will change, though not in the format or rules in any particular sport, but in the way it will be played. The coronavirus pandemic, which has halted the all the sporting events for past two months, will make a big impact in the style of playing as well as celebrating.
The unknown, invisible disease has forced mankind to maintain social distancing and has made masks part of their life in an attempt to break the chain of the spread of the virus.
But once the lockdowns and curfews are lifted, the sporting ‘rules’ will have to be tweaked, for the betterment and safety of players and officials alike.
Sportspersons playing contact sports like football, cricket, hockey, basketball, kabaddi, kho-kho, to name a few, will have to be extra cautious while plying their trade.
Though wearing facemasks during matches might not be advisable as it may block oxygen intake, hugging each other, chest-busting, giving hi-fives during celebrations will have to be pushed back for a year or two. Players will have to devise new ideas of celebration while also maintaining social distancing. That would be a fun to watch. Bowing with folded hands might be the new celebrating style.
In football, like hydration breaks at half-time, sanitisation breaks will have to be introduced where players will have to apply sanitisers on their hands. This won’t add any extra time. During injury break or when a team gets a free kick, players could be allowed to use the time to sanitise themselves on the sidelines, just like they sip water in that little passage of duration.
Similarly, as coaches would also vouch for, first-time passes will have to be enforced upon to maintain distance from each other. The more quickly ball is released, the less danger of getting in contact with another player. Even the referees might start using sanitisers after awarding a free kick and during breaks.
In cricket, a bottle of sanitiser might be handed over to umpires who would drop a few drops on players hands between the overs. Sanitiser bottles can be put on the boundary lines as well just like water bottles.
Hockey players would be asked to use sanitisers while substitution. A sanitiser bottle can be placed just near the changing line where player can use them while going inside the playing field or while getting substitute. Coaches will have to keep sanitiser bottles ready with them during the matches.
Basketball players too can use to the time between each quarter to sanitise themselves. Again, releasing the ball immediately would be the norm in basketball too to avoid attracting any player too close.
In track and field events, it will be a Herculean task for officials to keep the equipment like shot puts, javelins, discuses infection-free. For that, they would have to keep on spraying disinfectants after every round of competition.
As far as badminton, tennis and table tennis are concerned, there won’t be much a problem of sanitisation players.
With no contact between two shuttlers, the time used to change the sides and after each game could be used to rub sanitisers on hands. Even the little drink breaks when players gulp a couple of hydrated drinks can be utilised for the same. Only a few seconds would be added in the duration of breaks.
Same can be done with table tennis and tennis.
In chess and carrom, players would be allowed carry sanitiser bottles during competitions. A chess player can use them frequently after moves while in carrom a player can use it at the end of each board. Same can be applied to bridge players. The card-game is mostly played by senior citizens and they will have to take extra precaution by keeping sanitisers on the table and use them after every game.
This, and many other changes, would be expected when the lockdown period ends. It might look a bit unnatural in the beginning but definitely will be a fun to watch players celebrating in unique ways.
NDFA chalks out plans to re-start Senior Division league in June at Bharatratna Dr Ambedkar Football Stadium
By Paritosh Pramanik
FOOTBALL will have a new address this season. Rules will be tweaked a bit. Matches, to some extent, will be played “behind closed doors”.
With the Maharashtra Government taking Nagpur out of the Red Zone, football in the city could be seen played on the green lawn turf, by the middle or end of June.
After around two months of lockdown which was imposed to break the chain of COVID-19, Nagpur saw ease in curbs on functioning of several establishments. According to government notification, sports stadiums and complexes can be opened for sportspersons for practice but with adequate social distancing rules.
The Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has started planning for the season ahead. With the new stadium almost ready, last season’s Senior Division League and First Division Leagues matches will be played at newly constructed Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar, north Nagpur.
“We are waiting for the permission from civic authorities. Once we get permission we will start the leagues at our new stadium,” NDFA President Haresh Vora told ‘The Hitavada’.
Germany’s Bundesliga was the first tournament to kick-start after two months forced break. As per FIFA’s suggestion, five substitution were allowed during the match. NDFA, too, will be tweaking their rules this year.
“All the Leagues will see changed substitution rules. A team will comprise 23 players and will be allowed to substitute five players per match. The technicalities as to when all players can be substituted (whether two in first half and three in second) will be completed in due course,” said Vora.
“FIFA’s suggestion of five-player substitution is very good. We know the stamina and fitness level of our players. Teams would get extra punch with two added substitutions,” opined Vora, who is also Vice-President of Western India Football Association (WIFA).
With Ramzan Eid round the corner (probably on May 25) and to give training time to players, Vora was of the view that the leagues could start in June, that too with government permission.
“If the situation (of coronavirus positive cases) improves and civic authorities allows to start tournaments, we can start with Senior Division by June only. There are few clubs which have Muslims players who are on fasting. The festival (Ramzan Eid) is round the corner. We will have to give players some time to train and build stamina as well. Above all, the temperature is on constant rise. I think by June we can start the tournament,” hoped Vora.
The biggest difficulty would be maintaining social distancing. Vora said they will try to follow the guidelines as much as possible.
“We will definitely follow the guidelines on social distancing. Less number of officials will be allowed during the match. Our new stadium is protected with chain fencing from all sides. Nobody will be allowed to venture inside the field. We will try to hold matches behind closed doors. But as some parts of the compound wall is broken we can’t bar spectators from entering inside the stadium from those areas. But, I will make it sure no unwanted person is allowed inside the fenced area,” Vora assured.
“At local level we can’t ask all the teams to follow what international clubs do (using sanitizers, thermal checks). We can only instruct them to follow the guidelines, rest is up to the club owners and players to keep themselves safe by following the guidelines” Vora signed off.
By Paritosh Pramanik
CITY athletes, who were living in dire straits, without a penny and unaware from where their next meal would be arranged since past several days, are now heaving a sigh of relief after several NGO, NMC and citizens came forward to help them with ration.
‘The Hitavada’ had reported the plight of international athlete Jyoti Chavan and her family a few days ago. Similar was the situation of another international athlete Prajakta Godbole who also represented India in World University Games held in Italy, along with Jyoti, last year.
The two athletes’ families are now getting help from various quarters and they feel indebted towards these good Samaritans.
Prajakta said, officials from Nagpur Municipal Corporation and others have given her ration which will last for over a month.
“Piyush Ambulkar sir (NMC Sports Officer) has helped my family. He has given me ration and other household things that will last for over a month. I am really thankful to him. Similarly, there are many other people coming and providing us with ration. I thank them all,” Prajakta said.
The 24-year-old Prajakta, who resides in Siraspeth, participated in 5000m race at the World University Games and had clocked 18:23.92.
Prajakta’s father Vilas is paralytic and bed-ridden while mother Aruna is jobless. She used to work at a catering service but since lockdown imposed, she is jobless.
The promising middle-distance runner is pursuing Bachelor in Arts. Like Jyoti, Prajakta has also applied for sports quota job in Railways, CISF and other government institutions. But to her bad luck she did not receive the trials letter from CISF.
“I came to know later that a letter was dispatched by CISF for trials in February at my home address. But till date I did not receive any letter. The trials were held in February. Had I received the letter I would have appeared for the trials and might have landed the job,” Prajakta this newspaper.
“I desperately need a job so that I can take care of my parents. I have applied in various departments. A source of earning would help me in concentrating on my athletic career. Without job I can’t event think about athletics and practice,” concluded Prajakta.
Among others members of Centre for Awareness in Rural and Urban Development (CRD) donated essential commodities, vegetable and face masks to Godbole family. The members include Alok Pande, Rohit Trivedi.
By Paritosh Pramanik
IT WAS for his son Satyam’s fitness in the rainy season that Advocate Rajesh Bhoyar admitted his kids (daughter Sai) at a tennis coaching centre. That fitness class would be only for three months, Adv Bhoyar had decided.
At the end of three months, Satyam, had to reluctantly leave tennis, despite “knocking” the tennis ball well, while Sai continued with the sport, in which she had generated interest
immediately.
Those three months made Sai an acclaimed tennis prodigy of the city. The story of Sai from there on is only of rising. For Satyam, elder among the two, cricket took the front seat.
Sai Bhoyar, who will be 16 by next month, has knocked down many a title in her short tennis career all over the country. And she yearns for more.
Adv Rajesh and his wife Vandana never thought that both of their kids would shine in sports.
“I had always dreamt Satyam playing cricket at highest level. When Sai showed her interest and progress in tennis, it was like ‘Andhala mangto ek dola, dev deto don’ for me,” Bhoyar confessed while talking with
‘The Hitavada.’
Former cricketer Rajesh, a lawyer by profession, spotted talent in Sai when she was only nine years old. “I noticed natural sporting talent in Sai when she was nine. As a kid, Sai was very active. Sai and Satyam would always be either playing or fighting. She always loved challenging her elder brother and was never scared of his superiority,” recalled Adv Bhoyar.
For the records, Sai has won bagful of medals with the recent one in Khelo India silver medal for Maharashtra. She is ranked second in Maharashtra Tennis Rankings and has also won gold medal in CBSE School South Zone Championship, Bengaluru,
2019-20.
Road to Wimbledon (competition), winning Asian U-14 doubles, winning silver medals in School Nationals and winning silver and bronze medals in Khelo India Youth Games were some of the moments which has made Bhoyars proud.
Sai’s career was in jeopardy in 2019 and she was on the verge of missing the Khelo India Youth Games. But an accurate treatment and her willpower brought her back on the tennis court.
Narrating that horrifying period, Rajesh, who runs Arkaya Law Firm said, “In September 2019 Sai was diagnosed with Vertigo. It was impossible for her to play on court. Finasta Nationals and other important tournaments were scheduled in same period. She lost many important ranking points and her chances of qualifying for Khelo India Youth Games 2020 were fading away. We took her to Dr Sangram Wagh whose perfect analysis and treatment helped her return back on the court within a month. Sai’s will power and determination paid off in winning silver medals in CBSE School Nationals and SGFI School Nationals which gave her ticket for Khelo India Youth Games. Ultimately, she won her second medal for Maharashtra in as many years.”
It was not easy for Bhoyars to manage the sporting journey of both the kids. But thus far they are doing well.
“Having played cricket, and done BCCI’s cricket coaching course, it is always easy for me to guide Satyam. With Sai, we discuss and analyse her game and match and try to correct her mistakes,” said the father.
Adv Bhoyar has never forced any target on his kids. He only wants them to do well and enjoy the game. “I have asked them to focus on process than results. If the process is proper and efforts are honest then temporary results are not that significant. They have understood this very well. They are not playing their games for one match or one tournament or for a year, but it’s a long journey,” Bhoyar elaborated.
Sai’s entry into sports was accidental. It was her elder brother who was more inclined towards cricket and his fitness in rainy season took both of them to tennis courts. “Satyam started with Mujumdar Cricket Academy from age of five. In 2013, he was shifted to Ruby Club. During rainy season, club started playing football to keep the players fit. Considering his tender age and chances of getting injured, I decided to send him to tennis court for three months. I registered both Sai and Satyam at Ramnagar Tennis courts. Within three months both of them developed their skills. After three months Satyam reluctantly withdrew from tennis for cricket and Sai continued her journey,” recalled Bhoyar who has played for VCA, Central Zone and Inter-University cricket for Nagpur University.
Bhoyars are always ready to support both their kids. “We ensure that Sai is not short of any facility, equipment. We have given her full freedom to prefer her tennis over studies. Though financially it is tough, we have so far done everything required in her tennis career.”
With very less opportunities in city, Rajesh is planning to move Sai out of the city.
“The major difficulty is lack of quality infrastructure required for training in the city. Time has come for Sai to move out for training and also for playing ITF tournaments. But this requires sponsorship,” he said.
Sai, though a tennis player, is not devotedly attached with the sport on TV. Rather she loves watching cricket.
“She rarely watches tennis on TV. Only Serena (Williams) or (Rafael) Nadal match she would watch fully. But she loves watching cricket. She is a big fan of Mumbai Indians, Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit (Shama),” informed Adv Bhoyar.
Satyam, too, is not far behind. He has represented Vidarbha in U-14, 16 BCCI tournaments and Maharashtra in U-19 School Nationals. He was the best batsman of VCA U-13 and U-19 meets in 2015 and 2019, respectively.
“I am proud of Satyam. He is doing well in his sport, knocking the door constantly. I am sure he will also make a name for himself,” concluded Adv Bhoyar.
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE 2020-21 football season of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) will have a delayed start due to
coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought all the sporting activities in the city to a grinding halt. League matches of NDFA’s two divisions—Senior and First—were not even started when the government imposed complete lockdown in March.
NDFA had even declared the fixtures of Senior Division which was scheduled to start from March 16.
But the Janta Curfew and then the lockdown, which has been extended, forced the association to postpone the two tournaments.
With the situation still looking grim and chances of lockdown ending thinner, the two leagues, it seems, might be cancelled or may be played prior to the new season starts, in September.
“We are yet to complete the two divisions (Senior and First). We were ready with the Senior Division scheduled but it could not be started due to the lockdown,” said Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary, Nagpur District Football Association.
“As things stands now, we may have to scrap the two meets this season. But nothing is final yet,” he added.
NDFA President Haresh Vora said the new season will be delayed. “The present situation doesn’t look good. We are yet to complete last year’s leagues. The new season will be delayed by a couple of months,” he mentioned.
Vora is still optimistic that the Senior and First Division matches would be completed in coming months.
“What we can do is start the new season with Senior and First Division matches which are part of last season. But for that we have to see first when can we start our season. The sooner the lockdown ends then only we can plan out things.
“We can start the season with these divisions and then complete the season again with the matches of the same division next year,” he remarked.
This year there will be no transfers as it was done last year itself hence much of time will be saved this year.
“That is a big plus point. We don’t have the transfers this year. So a much time is saved. We can make adjustments for those few who don’t have players in lower division,” informed Vora.
There are 20 teams in First Division which include Veer Football Club, Hansraj FC, Gouhar FC, Nagpur Star, Maverick FC, Green Flag, Young Boys, Al-Fateh FC, Rahul Academy, Birsa Munda, Eagle ‘B’, Bezonbagh, Yuva FC, Nobel FC, Young Ansar, Shakti FC, Mecosabagh FC, Big Ben and Bhankheda FC.
“It would hardly take 15-20 days to complete the leagues,” Vora concluded.
By Paritosh Pramanik
Apr 22, 2020
HE HAS never missed a single major sporting event around the world in last 20 years. But the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought the entire world to a grinding halt, has forced globe-trotting Omprakash Mundra to reschedule his tours of 2020.
The young 70-year-old Omprakash Mundra, a steel businessman from Nagpur, has been travelling around the world, being part of each and every sporting extravaganza since 1982 Asiad in New Delhi. He was ‘part’ of all the major sporting events, be it the Summer Olympics, Paralympics, Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Cricket World Cups, Wimbledons, French Opens, Australian Opens, to name a few.
This year, too, he was gunning for the Tokyo Games but his plans received a roadblock with 2020 Olympics postponed to next year due to COVID-19.
“Everything was in place. I had booked my air tickets last year (2019) itself. The opening ceremony and tickets of several events were also purchased. Even the stay at hotels have been booked. Being a sports lover, my wife (Premlata) and I wanted to see all sports. I had booked my stay at Tokyo till September because I wanted to watch the Paralympics as well. But the schedule has now gone haywire,” said Mundra, who was suppose to travel to Tokyo mid July.
There is very less chance of Mundra getting refunds. “I have written to Singapore Airlines either to reschedule my tickets or give me refund. But they said that their waiver policy is applicable for all bookings for travel upto May 31, 2020. Since my travel is for July 2020, this policy does not apply to my ticket,” Mundra told ‘The Hitavada’.
Mundra is least bothered about the refund. What he will miss is the chance to meet and watch world’s best athletes and learn different cultures.
“I love different cultures. I love to meet the athletes. I don’t care losing a few bucks. What I will miss is the sport and the sporting spirit, the culture of the host nation. I had booked my stay in Tokyo till September as I wanted to watch the Paralympics as well,” elaborated Mundra.
“I talked to the hotels where I have booked my stay in Tokyo and they said they would retain old bookings. My match tickets of different events will also be the same which I have booked,” a relieved Mundra said.
The city’s “sports fanatic” has purchased Olympics tickets for table tennis, artistic swimming, basketball, beach volleyball, athletics, Indian hockey matches, handball apart from opening and closing ceremonies.
If not only Tokyo Olympics, Mundra has already booked tickets for the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia in October.
“If situation improves I would be leaving for Perth on October 15. I have purchased tickets for 15 matches including semi-final and final at Melbourne on November 15,” revealed Mundra.
“I am an optimistic person. I still believe that WT20 will take place,” said a self proclaimed diehard sports fan.
“Being ICC’s privileged member, I got match tickets at much cheaper rates. I would not lose much of money on tickets and air fares as they were also booked well in advance and at the cheapest rate. The thing is I am missing the sports very much. For the first time in my life, with no workout and physical movement, I am feeling old, which I never felt in my entire life,” concluded the 70-year-old sports enthusiast.
Published on April 18, 2020
By Paritosh Pramanik
HER father used to play chess as a hobby while her great grandfather (maternal) used to spend Saturdays challenging the great revolutionary Vinoba Bhave in the game of 64 square. Inculcating father’s hobby and grandfather’s ‘roots’, Nagpur’s Divya Deshmukh carved a niche for herself to become a Woman International Master in chess at a tender age of 14 years.
The yet-to-be 15 Divya has claimed many a title, dethroned several well-known figures in chess as she emerged Queen of the 64 squares at a very small age.
An “obedient” daughter of ophthalmologist Dr Jitendra and Dr Namrata Deshmukh, Divya, too, started playing chess as a hobby with her father and gradually developed intererst only to make it her passion.
“She has been a very obedient and hard-working kid. Her interest in chess generated slowly over a period of time. My husband used to play chess as a hobby. I knew the game because my grandfather used to play chess with Vinoba Bhave every Saturday. So it was not new to our family,” Dr Namrata told ‘The Hitavada’.
Divya’s growing interest in chess forced Deshmukhs to help her pursue her dream. The way she picked the nuances of game, the doctor couple were sure their daughter would make a name sooner than later in the brain game. But both never thought that their daughter would start winning titles at a very tender age. “We knew it is too early to assume anything. But she started playing well and also started winning trophies,” Dr Namrata proudly said.
Looking at her progress Deshmukhs started supporting her in every possible way. “We tried to do everything that was required to do. There were challenges and there will be more diffifult paths in future but we have to face it. Monetary challenge is the biggest one,” admitted Dr Namrata. Dr Jitendra is working as professor and head in Government Medical College at Gondia and gets very little time to spend with his daughter. But whenever he is at home, he makes it a point to spend time with the WIM daughter. “When he is at home he helps in everything. When on duty he is just a phone call away. He is the decision maker for us,” admitted Dr Namrata. Divya does call her father regularly and at times also does video call. “Thanks to video calling, little compensation is there. She always make a video call and talk to her father. She calls him anytime...talks to him about chess,” mentioned Dr Namrata.
When on tour Divya, who is an Under-14 Commonwealth Championships gold medalist (2019), makes a point to talk to her father before the start of
her round. “Many times just before the round starts Divya makes a call to her father. That makes her more confident,” claimed Dr Namrata. The little princess of Deshmukh family is passionate for chess. “Once she decided to play a tournament in high fever. We were reluctant but she did not budge. And she won the title. That was the proudest moment for all of us. She is a very hard nut to crack. Does not give up easily,” said Dr Namrata.
Dr Namrata gets concerned when Divya, who won the Under-12 World Cadets Chess title at Pocos de Caldas, Brazil in 2017, insists to play any tournament even if she is not well. “As I said earlier, she is very passionate for chess. Even half fit, she wants to participate in any tournament.”
Being a chess wizard, Divya, who won her first World title (U-10) at the World Youth Chess Championship in Durban in 2014, wants to live life fully.
“She loves going out, wants to eat good food, also tries her hand at outdoor games. She is open for anything. She loves sports, music. That the best part of her. We hope she continues her journey ahead and achieve all the success,” concluded Dr Namrata.
Published on April 15, 2020
By Paritosh Pramanik
THEIR dream of a new ‘big house’ has been put on the back-burner, for time being. There are loans to be repaid. The travelling cost to different parts of the world is obnoxiously high. But still, there are no regrets at all until their kid is conquering the world step by step. That too at a tender age of 14 years!
Bharat and Heena Sadhwani, proud parents of city’s first Chess Grandmaster Raunak are the happiest couple despite keeping their personal desires, dreams under the wraps. For them their son’s chess career tops everything at present.
To some extent, they have succeeded in guiding Raunak to the top. But there is still a long way to go. The dream of their son winning the World Chess title is yet to be fulfilled. The Sadhwanis are confident Raunak will achieve that too in near future.
At every step, since Raunak started his chess career when he was not even eight years, (7.5 to be precise), their confidence grew. “Raunak was under nine years of age when he won the first State title (8 years and six months) in 2014. That ‘crown’ kick-started his career in chess. Before that it was a leisure sport. Raunak used to eagerly wait for his father to return from his chemical factory and play chess with him,” recalled Heena, who has now turned as Raunak’s “tour manager”.
“It was that State and after that National title at Pondicherry in 2014 which helped our confidence grow. It was more satisfying as Raunak had defeated a well-acclaimed and top-rated Chennai’s Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Those were the days when a State or National title was the topmost prize for us. But when Raunak got selected in Indian team for World Youth, Asian Youth and Commonwealth Chess Championship (he won gold) and then for Asian Chess Competition (bronze), we decided to devote ourselves in making Raunak a master of 64 squares,” Heena told this scribe.
“A few months later (in 2015), at the World Chess Championship at Greece, Raunak finished joint second. That gave wings to our dreams,” said Heena.
Heena and Bharat had to do split duty as Raunak’s tour partners. They had to take care of their business (chemical factory) as well as of their second son (Armaan). And they very immaculately divided the tours.
As businessman Ratan Tata puts it “I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and make them right’, Sadhwanis too decided first and made the decisions count right.
“It was not possible for both of us to travel with Raunak at the same time. So we divided the tours. When Bharat was travelling with Raunak I took care of our business and Armaan and when I was travelling, my husband looked after Armaan and the business. By God’s grace, my maternal home is very close to my house (in Jaripatka) and my mother took care of Armaan. We are very much blessed to get her support,” remarked Heena.
“Armaan, despite being just two years old, never troubled Bharat or my mother. I think Raunak winning the GM title should be attributed to Armaan too,” felt Heena.
Till a certain stage, chess doesn’t look a very costly game but as the player reaches higher level, the cost, specially of advanced coaching, travel, stay, increases. Sadhwanis, too, faced this situation but took this challenge on
the chin.
“Raunak’s father Bharat worked day and night. He started a construction business just to add a few more bucks which would help us in Raunak’s coaching, travel and stay,” revealed Heena with pride.
“Bharat has a dream of having a big house. But we have kept that dream pending. We are now fully concentrating on Raunak’s future,” she revealed.
After Raunak won the International Master (IM) title in May 2018, it hardly took him another 17 months or so to achieve the most coveted GM title.
“When Raunak became International Master it became more challenging for us. We wanted him to become a GM and that was not easy. For that he had to participate in major tournaments in the world.
“We took loans from various sources to foot Raunak’s tour bills,” said Heena.
The Sadhwanis were ‘forced’ to do so as Raunak had started getting acclamation and was billed as future star by several top rated Grandmasters, including GM Viswanathan Anand.
GM Anand’s words gave Sadhwanis more confidence which took Raunak to that edge of glorious achievement from where the Grandmaster norm was visible.
“Last year Anand appreciated him and said ‘Raunak is a big talent who is ridiculously underrated. His rating should have been much higher. The moves he is playing is of a high class’,” recalled Heena. “Once after playing against Raunak, Anand had admitted that he was ‘searching for a draw’. It is a very big compliment for us. That gave a fillip to Raunak’s as well as our confidence,” acknowledged the proud mother.
That confidence boosting words gave a push to Raunak in getting GM title last October.
The Sadhwani couple still dreams of first watching Raunak becoming a World Chess Champion and then moving into a ‘big house’. “The path is very difficult but not impossible,” accepts Heena.
Former India President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had said, “dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let your sleep.”
The Sadhwanis have spent several sleepless nights and still continue to do so. It is for sure that their dreams will be fulfilled.
One Day.
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