23 wins in 3 hours: GM Sadhwani records another podium finish at world level

By Paritosh Pramanik
October 15, 2020
AT AN age when teenagers find it difficult to sit idle at one place for even a few minutes, Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani, all of 14 years, carved out stupendous performance in just three hours in
the online chess at international level.
In yet another amazing performance, Nagpur’s only Grandmaster Sadhwani, finished second best in the Arena 960 blitz online chess tournament which was held on lichess.org platform.
Starting with a loss and some inconsistent performance initially, chess prodigy of city Sadhwani recorded whopping 23 wins out of 32 in three hours to claim second spot in the competition which saw around 465 Grandmasters and International Masters participate from around the globe.
The Chess 960 Titled Arena Championship was organised exclusively for titled masters which had three minutes time control.
Sadhwani, who is being rated highly by none other than Grandmaster and former world champion Viswanathan Anand, continued to topple some of the higher rated Grandmasters. He also managed to hold eventual champion Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan along with some other Grandmasters.
Sadhwani, India’s fourth youngest Grandmaster and Maharashtra’s youngest sportsperson to win Shiv Chhatrapati award, played cleverly which helped him fetch a winning percentage of 72 per cent. He finished with an excellent performance rating of 2521 with 23 wins from 32 boards in the competition garnering 81 points.
His domination was such that Sadhwani, during the middle of the competition, registered 19 victories and four draws.
After starting with a defeat, Sadhwani, recorded a win but lost his third round match. He regained composure and recorded another win but lost his fifth round match. He then registered two back to back wins but couldn’t maintained the winning run.
A quick learner he is, Sadhwani then eked out some splendid performances as he registered six wins on the trot to bounce back in contention of a podium finish.
Two draws with a win in between saw Sadhwani taking control of the game. From then on there was no looking back as the talented GM blasted his way to top of the table with 11 successive wins.
“There was nothing I thought at that time, I just played chess, without thinking about results,” Sadhwani told ‘The Hitavada’ on his slow start to the competition when he bounced back with 11 successive victories after recording not so favourable results.
“I am happy with my performance. Playing with world’s top and strong opponents and finishing on the podium always feels great. 960 is my favourite version in chess. I enjoy playing it,” is how Sadhwani summed up his brilliant performance.

Hockey GK Chikte applies for KIC at his sports academy

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 14, 2020

INDIA goalkeeper Akash Chikte is planning to promote and develop hockey culture in his native Yavatmal district.
Born and brought up in Lohara Village of Yavatmal, Chikte, who has started an academy “Akash Chikte Sports Academy” a few years ago, has applied for the Khelo India Hockey Centre at his academy.
The decision to apply for government-backed Khelo India Centre grant will further boost the promotion of the game in Yavatmal.
In the month of June, the Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports decided to establish 1000 Khelo India Centres (KIC) at district level across the country with the help of sporting champions, who will be remunerated for providing their expertise. The centres will either be run by a past champion or have them as a coach.
“As we strive to make India a sporting superpower, one of the things we have to ensure is that sports become a viable career option for youngsters,” Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had then said.
According to government’s rules, the first category of athletes who will be considered for the grant are those who have represented India at recognised international competitions under a recognised NSF or association.
Taking advantage of this Chikte, who has represented India in quite a few international events and has helped the country win gold medal as well, decided to apply for the centre at his academy.
Chikte has represented India in over 40 international matches and is a recipient of five international medals including the winning best goalkeeper award at Men’s Asia Cup-2017.
Chikte, who is also a Shiv Chhatrapati award winner, the highest sports award of Maharashtra Government, through his application, stated that Yavatmal has produced more than 50 players who
have participated in national championships.
“At present, there are around 50 players, boys and girls, regularly training at my academy. I think a Khelo India Hockey Centre would definitely help players of the region. This will also be helpful for Maharashtra and will definitely produce players who would one day represent the country,” Chikte, who was part of the silver medal winning Indian team at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2016, told ‘The Hitavada.’
Chikte won gold medal at the Dhaka 10th Asia Cup held in Bangladesh in 2017. He won bronze medal for India in the World Hockey League held at Bhubaneshwar in 2017.
To be eligible for grant under the scheme, the former athlete will be required to personally impart full-time training to athletes at the centre. Organisations which have been promoting sports for at least five years will also be eligible to establish a KIC, provided they recruit past champions as coaches.
The grant to each KIC will be extended for remuneration of the past champion athlete as coach, support staff, purchase of equipment, sports kits, consumable, participation in competition and events. The process of identifying new KICs will be carried out by the sports department of the respective State and Union Territory in liaison with District Collectors and the proposal will be forwarded to the SAI’s regional centre for further evaluation.
“I want more and more players from our region reach international level and play for the country. There is abundance of talent in our players. A full fledged Khelo India hockey centre will only help in boosting the performance and skills of the players,” said Chikte, who had represented Vidarbha and had also played at Nagpur in his initial days. 

GM Dhopade to give online training to beginners

By Paritosh Pramanik
Oct 10, 2020

ENCOURAGED by the huge success to his online chess course, head coach of Chess Pathshala Grandmaster Swapnil Dhopade has decided to move a step further and train budding chess players around the world.
The first Grandmaster of Vidarbha Dhopade has decided to introduce a course exclusively for the beginners.
Earlier this year Dhopade, who has created many a chess champions, had planned to start chess academies at Amravati, Yavatmal and Wani. But due to COVID-19 pandemic he could not start them. However, Dhopade and his team decided to promote chess online and make future champions.
“Now we are concentrating in providing online coaching,” Dhopade told ‘The Hitavada’.
Informing about his new course for the beginners, Dhopade said the course has been divided in three levels which will be of 25 days each.
“The first level will be for students who have learnt rules of the game.
“This is the best course to start with assuming that the players know how to play chess.
“Through this first level, the player will learn the basic mates, captures, defence and tactics. The last part of this level will be test sessions which will evaluate the learning of the player,” he explained.
“The second level will see players learn principles of opening, introduction to various chess openings, basic endgames, a complete opening repertoire from white side and also from the black side.
“This level will also culminate with test sessions,” he added.
“In the last and third level of course, a player will be taught common tactical themes of the game, basic knight endgames, bishop endgames and practical pawn endgames,” said Dhopade who works as Office Superintendent with Central Railways at Nagpur.
“The beginners will also he taught about common mating patterns and will also have playing and analysing sessions with the coach. This level will also end with test sessions,” he added.
The course is getting good response and over 30 players have already enrolled with Chess Pathshala. Not only from India, budding players from the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, UAE and Bangladesh have also joined the course.
The coaches who are working with Chess Pathshala are the ones who are trained by Dhopade himself.
“The coaches are trained by me and they are well versed with the training material,” informed Dhopade who won the GM title in 2015. Dhopade has worked with players like GM Raunak Sadhwani, Sankalp Gupta of Nagpur. Dhopade, who decided to stop playing competitive chess and took coaching three years ago, was coach of Indian women team at the Asian Nations Cup and at Batumi Olympiad 2018.
“I want to produce champions from rural India and specially Maharashtra. There is a lot of potential. They only need the correct guidance.
“That’s what I am trying to do,” Dhopade concluded.

Sadhwani’s Armenia Eagles win Chess Pro League crown

 

 

Sept 28, 2020
 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT WAS well past Sunday midnight. Citizens had resigned to their cosy beds after enjoying the high-voltage run-fest in the IPL game between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. However, there was one Nagpurian who still had his ‘Champagne on Ice’. The celebration was kept on hold.
Fourteen-year-old Raunak Sadhwani, concentration personified, was glued to his computer well past midnight playing the final of Chess Pro League, representing Armenia Eagles.
Minutes past 1 am, Nagpur’s only chess Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani jumped from his chair and pumped his fist, not once but on several occasions. This continued for a few seconds, as could be seen in the 46-second video tweeted by chess.com.
After three hours of online battle, Armenia Eagles stunned strong contenders and defending champions St Louis Archbishops 9.5-6.5 to win the chess.com organised online Chess Pro League title.
Armenia Eagles, comprising GM Praham Maghsoodloo, GM Haik Martirosyan, GM Tigran Petrosyan and GM Sadhwani, shocked mighty St Louis Archbishops, who had top rated United States players including World No 2 Fabiano Caruana, World No 8 Wesley So, World No 14 Dominguez Perez Lenier and Junior No 2 Xiong Jeffery, to clinch the crown.
Sadhwani had done his bit by playing two draws in the final. He split points against Lenier. In the next game he was going neck and neck with Caruana but made a mistake in a time scramble and then lost to Wesley.
But in his last game, as instructed by team manager, Sadhwani managed to hold world junior champion Jeffery. His performance and a point from two draws helped his side stay ahead of their rivals. Other favourable results meant Armenia Eagles won the summit clash with a difference of three points.
The winners got richer by USD 20,000 which would be equally distributed among the team members.
In the whole PCL 2020 season Raunak performed with a whopping rating performance of 2700+ which in itself is an achievement.
“Overall I played very well with a whopping performance of 2700 + against world’s best players. Armenia Eagles Manager showed strong faith in my game and I proved myself and met their expectations,” Sadhwani told ‘The Hitavada’ after the exciting title win.
Sadhwani said, he played to a strategy planned by the team management.
“Team manager (Artak) instructed me to play solid and so I played accordingly. I drew my last game against Junior World No 2 and World Junior Champion Xiong Jeffery. The team strategy worked well and finally we outplayed super strong St Louis Archbishops,” said Sadhwani.
On his personal performance in the competition which had world’s best participating Sadhwani said, “Overall I played very well with a whopping performance of 2700+ against world’s best players,” added the student of Centre Point School, Katol Road.
Sadhwani thanked the Armenia Eagles management for selecting him despite having several top players at their disposal.
“I was given a golden opportunity by Armenian team. They have so many strong players but still they gave me the chance. Coach Zaven trusted my abilities. I learnt how to handle pressure while playing against these strong guns. I want to work more and stretch my game to a much higher level. That’s what my next goal is,” revealed Sadhwani, who according to reports, is the only Indian player qualified for this grand event.
Despite winning the online title, Sadhwani said he prefers on board tournaments.
“Of course, I like over the board tournaments more but this type of online leagues are also very good. What else one wants during this pandemic situation? At least I have my opponents and I have to prepare against them, the same I do in my on board tournaments,” explained the fourth youngest Grandmaster of India.
“Overall, it was a very good experience which will definitely be useful for me in this type of future events,” concluded Sadhwani who is ninth youngest Grandmaster of world.

Grandmaster Sadhwani takes Armenia Eagles into Chess Pro League final

 

 

By Paritosh Pramanik
 

Sept 27, 2020

FOURTH youngest Grandmaster of India and first from Nagpur, Raunak Sadhwani once again proved why he is being rated so high by the chess legends of the world.
The ninth youngest Grandmaster of the world Sadhwani helped his side Armenia Eagles storm into the final of the Pro Chess League 2020, being held online on Chess.com.
The Pro Chess League 2020 was suppose to be held at Norway but due to COVID-19 pandemic , organisers decided  to  hold it online.
Sadhwani is the only Indian playing in the prestigious competition. The meet carries total prize money of 40,000 dollars. The winners will be richer by 20,000 dollars.
Sadhwani played some splendid chess and defeated top rated players of the world to take his side to the final. The summit clash will be held on Sunday.
In the semi-final played on Friday night, Armenia Eagles defeated Canada Chessbrahs 9-7 to book date with mighty St Louis Archbishops who ousted China Pandas 11-5 in the other last four battle.
GM Sadhwani registered wins over World No 10 and Dutch No 1 Anish Giri. He managed to hold World No 6 Alexander Grischuk, Croatian No 1 Ivan Saric and Norway’s No 2 Aryan Tari. He collected 2.5 points out of possible four that helped Armenia Eagles edge out Canadian team in the all play all knock-out competition. The tournament has a time control of 10 minutes with increment of two seconds.
Sadhwani’s team comprised GM Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran, GM Haik Martirosyan and GM Tigran Petrosian both of Armenia. The Canada Chessbrahs consisted of GM Alexander Grischuk of Russia, GM Anish Giri of the Netherlands, GM Ivan Saric of Croatia and GM Aryan Tari of Norway.
The 14-year-old Sadhwani was happy with his performance and was satisfied with his contribution, which helped his team reach final.
“I played some very high quality chess. I am very happy with my contribution to my team by scoring 2.5/4 points against some elite players. This result has boosted my confidence and it feels great that my hard work is paying off,” Sadhwani told ‘The Hitavada’.
“I want to thank Armenian team for giving me this wonderful opportunity and showed strong faith in my game,” he added.
Sadhwani was confident of a good show in the final. “I am very excited to play the final on Sunday against the strong St Louis Archbishops team which has some very talented and world famous players.” The team comprises World No 2 Fabiano Caruana, World No 8 Wesley So, World No 14 Dominguez Perez, Leneir and Junior No 2 Xiong Jeffery, all from the United States.

 

Chander does city proud

The former VHA, Maharashtra hockey player completes B.Sc in sports science, a four-year degree course from Chennai to become first Sports and Exercise Scientist from Nagpur



Principal Correspondent

NAGPUR’S Chander Rajesh Nagrurkar did the city proud by achieving a Bachelors degree (B.Sc) in Sports and Exercise Sciences, earlier this month.
The degree course is believed to give a new dimension in approach to training, physical fitness and health of sportspersons as well as help them in quick recovery of injuries with the help of such scientists.
Nagrurkar, who has represented Vidarbha and Maharashtra in a couple of hockey nationals, is son of Rajesh, a certified football referee of Nagpur District Football Association. Rajesh is working with Maharshtra Police Department and is presently posted at Buldana.
Chander did the course from reputed Sri Ramchandra College of Allied Health Sciences which is part of Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University) Porur in Chennai. 
The course is a project of Cape Town and Chander will be receiving his certificate (degree) from the South African firm.
The 22-year-old Chander cleared all eight semesters in one attempt and probably became city’s first Sports and Exercise Scientist.
Chander said the course helps sportspersons in taking balanced nutrition, exercises, psychology, injury management, rehab counselling. 
“Just like we need physiologist for physical training, sports psychologist to make a sportsperson mentally strong, dieticians to look after proper nutritious food for a sportsperson, through this course, there would be a single person taking care of all these aspects of a sportsperson,” explained Chander.
During his four-year course, Chander got a chance to work with and international players like Indian footballers Jeje Lalpekhlua, Halicharan Narzary, The Netherlands U-19 cricketer Aryan Kumar, Indian rower and Asian Rowing Championship (Thailand, 2019) silver medalist Tarun Gutta, Indian hockey camper Niyaz Rahim among others.
“I worked on the injuries on some of these players and also on their performance building during my internship,” informed Chander, who scored nine out of 10 Grade Points with a Grade Point Average of 8.42 which comes to A+ grade.
It is worth mentioning that Chander scored A+ Grades in subjects like Applied Sports and Exercise Nutrition (Practicals), Applied Physiology (Practicals), Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology, Health Care Biotechnology, Performance Analysis, Technology and Innovation, Clinical Postings-IV, Projects-Part II and Internship-II.
Chander is further planning to do MBA in sports management from University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA.
“It is tough but not impossible. I am not preparing for Toefl, GMAT so that I can get admission in University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA. I want to do MBA and M.sc in Sports Management, which is a dual masters course of two years,” concluded Chander.

COVID-19 delays laying of RTMNU’s synthetic track

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN NORMAL circumstances Nagpur athletes by now would have had two synthetic tracks to train in the city. 
But the deadly coronavirus pandemic has changed the entire scenario. The nation-wide lockdown imposed to break the chain of spreading of virus in March had halted all sporting activities around the world.
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University would have had its own synthetic track by now but due COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that it would take another year, or even more.
At present there is one synthetic track at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.
The task of laying the synthetic track at RTMNU’s sports complex, beside Law College, has been assigned to Public Works Department (PWD). After floating tenders pre-bid meetings were also held between the concerned departments of RTMNU and PWD. But due to lockdown, all plans have gone haywire. 
This is for the second time that the work of laying synthetic track has been delayed. 
Earlier, it was delayed due to model code of conduct imposed in the country last year due to general elections.
“The coronavirus has changed the entire scenario. Had the situation been normal, we would have almost completed the laying of synthetic track. But it’s not in our hand,” lamented Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU.
“This is a very peculiar situation. We are waiting for the work to start since last year. We have also deposited Rs 8 crore to PWD. Pre-bids meetings were also held with them. But COVID-19 has put brakes on the developmental works,” Dr Suryawanshi told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Still we are in contact with PWD. We are taking follow-up atleast once in two weeks. It’s up to them to start the work,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also a former international athlete. The trac would have eight lanes instead of 10 due to paucity of space. 
“We will also be constructing two long jump pits at two corners of the area. Similarly, two high mast poles will also be added to the present six towers. We have observed that at curves there is less light. Hence we decided to add two more towers,” said Suryawanshi.
Once the work starts, it won’t take much time to lay the synthetic track as the base is already there. “With the present cinder track, we won’t require much of levelling. The base is already ready. This will definitely save our money and time as well. Even the drainage facility is also in place,” informed Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association.
To save the track from mud which would seep in from football ground, RTMNU has decided to replace lawn turf with artificial grass.
“We don’t want to get the track damaged due to mud of football field. We will be replacing the lawn ground with artificial grass,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
The synthetic track will also be protected with chain-fence.
“It is important that the track is protected from spectators as well as from stray cattle, dogs. We will be constructing chain-fencing around the track. This will stop spectators enchroaching the finish line and disturbing the runners,” said Dr Suryawanshi.

After VHA, Mumbai Hockey Assn too wants participation in HI nationals

Former Olympians write to Rijiju, Batra to save players future

Principal Correspondent

THE clamour to save their existence has started to grow among hockey associations of Maharashtra. After Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) knocked High Court’s door for their survival with Hockey India, several Mumbai-based legendary Olympians, too, have come forward to save Mumbai Hockey Association and its players’ future.
Hockey India’s decision to disassociate several associations including VHA, Mumbai, Bhopal, Coorg Hockey, Bengaluru Hockey Association, Hockey Patiala has not gown down well with these age-old hockey bodies.
VHA has already filed a writ petition in Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court. VHA has sought separate status and has prayed to let its players play under VHA banner in Hockey India nationals on the lines of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), but citing Indian Olympic Association norms, Hockey India - apex body of hockey- refused to grant this concession.
Meanwhile, in a positive development, VHA’s attempt has started getting support from other associations. On Thursday, several Olympians came forward in an attempt to save careers of hockey players of Mumbai and have appealed to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju to save Mumbai hockey as the team won’t be able to take part in the nationals.
According to a report in PTI news agency, The Mumbai Hockey Association Limited has decided against legally contesting Hockey India’s move to withdraw their associate membership and recognise Hockey Maharashtra as the state’s sole representative body for the sport. 
Twelve former India players – Dhanraj Pillay, MM Somaya, Joaquim Carvalho, Mervyn Fernandes, Marcellus Gomes, Balbir Singh Grewal, Gurubax Singh Grewal, Viren Rasquinha, Iqbaljit Singh, Eliza Nelson, Selma D’Silva and Margaret Toscano – have together written a mail to Rijiju, IOA chief Narendra Batra, its secretary Rajeev Mehta and HI president Mushtaq Ahmad – seeking their intervention to save hockey in the mega polis, the reports states.
“In summary we would like to say that there are two significant drawbacks of not permitting a separate Mumbai team to participate in the National Hockey Championship. Indian hockey talent pool would get weakened,” the agency report stated.
“With fewer players from the city of Mumbai representing Maharashtra in the nationals, there would be less opportunities to showcase their talent. Many deserving players would not get spotted by national selectors,” the report quoted former players as saying.
“With Hockey Maharashtra being based out of Pune and fewer players from Mumbai getting National colours, job opportunities for hockey players in Mumbai would reduce. Employers would consider discontinuing sponsorship of hockey teams. This will destabilise the hockey ecosystem in Mumbai,” the players further wrote.
Same is the case with Vidarbha players who too would go unnoticed after their Associate Membership is withdrawn.
The former players also suggested to amend Hockey India and IOA constitution. “If needed an amendment in constitution should be urgently considered by IOA/HI to save hockey in Mumbai as well as in other high potential centres,” the report states.
Just like VHA, the former Olympians, in the mail, also cited the example of BCCI, which has allowed Mumbai Cricket Association to field a separate team in the Ranji Trophy, the national domestic competition.

No relief to VHA from HC

VHA can participate in tournaments of Hockey Maharashtra

Staff Reporter

NAGPUR bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to grant any relief to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) and turned down its demand to allow VHA team to participate in national tournaments directly.
The Hockey India once again reiterated that it was bound to follow One State One Unit and the VHA would have to participate through Hockey Maharashtra. As a result, the status of VHA as an affiliate unit of Hockey India has come to an end with effect from July 1, as of now.
A division bench consisting of Justice Ravi Deshpande and Justice Amit Borkar while admitting the matter for final hearing, made it clear that its earlier attempt to solve the issue without going into merits of the matter had not yielded any result. The High Court had asked the Hockey India whether it would allow VHA team to participate in the national level tournaments, but the apex body refused to make any exception in favour of VHA.
The Hockey India in its pursis made it clear that VHA can be permitted to participate in the sports activities to be conducted by Hockey Maharashtra under its banner. However, Hockey India categorically stated that in the activities to be conducted by Hockey India, the VHA cannot be permitted to participate except through Hockey Maharashtra. 
Hockey India also clarified that from 2021 only recognised State unit would be allowed and only Public Sector Undertakings/departments would be allowed to directly participate in national units as Associate Member.
The VHA had sought separate status on the lines of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA), but citing Indian Olympic Association norms, Hockey India-apex body of Hockey-refused to grant this concession. In a detailed pursis filed before the High Court, the Hockey India counsel Adv Shreerang Bhandarkar informed that affiliation of VHA would be withdrawn from July 1 and henceforth Hockey Maharashtra would be the only registered unit for Maharashtra.  The stance taken by Hockey India to recognise only Hockey Maharashtra as a single unit for the State will reduce opportunity for players from Vidarbha at national level, the VHA apprehended.
VHA counsel Adv Anand Parchure once again urged the High Court to restrain Hockey India, but the request was firmly turned down. VHA claimed that the association wanted to maintain a separate existence of VHA in the interest of players and was not interested in any financial aid and voting rights. Hockey India made it clear that players from this region can be part of the State unit or PSUs or departments enjoying Associate Member status during national championships.
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. 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.

Hockey India rules out VCA-like status to VHA

Staff Reporter

HOCKEY India has ruled out participation of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) teams in national tournaments on the lines of Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and reiterated that players can be part of Hockey Maharashtra team. In response to a specific query from Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court whether Hockey India, apex body of hockey governing in the country, would continue participation of VHA members under their existing banner in the sports activities carried out by the federation, the Hockey India stick to One State One Unit norm and refused to concede in favour of VHA, much to the disappointment of hockey players of this backward region. The federation has also ruled out continuation of VHA as a separate entity from July 1.  
In a detailed pursis filed before the High Court, the Hockey India counsel Adv Shreerang Bhandarkar informed that affiliation of VHA would be withdrawn from July 1 and henceforth Hockey Maharashtra would be the only registered unit for Maharashtra.
The pursis has come as a shocker for the hockey lovers of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh region who wanted to maintain separate existence of VHA in the interest of players while offering to forgo any financial aid and voting rights. Even the High Court on the last occasion had sought a firm word from Hockey India about protection of future of hockey players belonging to VHA. The Hockey India as a sweetener claimed that players from this region can be part of State unit or PSUs or departments enjoying associate member status during national championships, virtually indicating its non-flexible stance about discontinuing affiliation of VHA.
The VHA had sought parity with Vidarbha Cricket Association and stated that both VHA and VCA were protecting interests of hockey and cricket players respectively 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 hence sought a direction to apex federation to allow VHA to retain its existence for the benefit of players from 22 districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh region.
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. The stance taken by Hockey India to recognise only Hockey Maharashtra as a single unit for the state will reduce opportunity for players from Vidarbha at national level.
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.
Hockey India has made it clear from 2021 only recognised state units will be allowed and only Public Sector Undertakings/departments would be allowed to directly participate in national units as associate members.


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HC seeks word from HI about allowing VHA teams in its meets

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.

VHA moves HC against Hockey India’s move to disaffiliate it

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

Follow guidelines or lose chance for district trials: Dr Suryawanshi

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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Footballers to get feel of new turf

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.

Without saliva, bowling would be bit difficult: Umesh

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.