Sarde takes big leap

 

 

 To represent India in U-20 World Athletics Championships in Peru

 

August 18, 2024

By Paritosh Pramanik
In his early days, he used to get dejected for not finishing on the podium during the district and division competitions. But this Krida Prabodhni Nagpur’s sprinter from Buldhana, kept believing in himself and finally cracked the code.
Nayan Sarde, all of 19, will be representing India at the World Junior (Under-20) Athletics Championship to be held in Lima, Peru, South America from August 27.
Sarde, who has been representing Krida Prabodhini since 2019, will be rubbing shoulders with top athletes from USA, France, Germany, to name a few, in the 110 metres hurdles event.
“I am confident of performing well in the competition. This being my first international competition, I am a bit nervous but I have trained well in the past one month and will give my best,” said Sarde, while talking with ‘The Hitavada’, from Bengaluru.
Sarde became the first athlete from Vidarbha to be selected in Indian team in this category. He has been exceptional in 110m hurdles this season. He got selected in the Indian team on the basis of his excellent performance in the qualifiers and selection competitions during the Indian Grand Prix at Bengaluru.
The Buldhana lad is training at SAI Bengaluru camp will leave for Lima with the Indian team on August 21.
“I am training at Bengaluru. Coaches here have asked me to train the way I am training in the past. They did not burden me with any new techniques. I am really working hard and am sure of a good show. My first target will be to better my personal best timing (14.11 secs) and then qualify for the semis,” said Sarde, who’s father Dilip is a former athlete and working in Police Department.
During Sarde’s formative days, Ganesh Jadhav and Anil Ingle gave him basic training in hurdles at Buldhana.
After coming to Nagpur, he improved his performance under the guidance of coach Samsher Khan.
He made his presence felt by winning a gold medal in the 110m hurdles in the 18 years category at the Junior National Championships held in Guwahati in 2021.
“No doubt the competition will be very tough in Lima. However, I am confident of performing on the big stage,” added Sarde.
The lanky sprinter said he wants to participate in the World University Games which will be held next year.
“I will work hard to qualify for the World University Games next year,” he confidently said.

 

Nayan’s major achievements
2024: Junior Federation Cup Silver Medal (14.23 seconds)
2023: Junior Federation Cup Gold Medal (14.18 seconds)
2023: Junior National Athletics Bronze Medal (14.30 seconds)
(Under 18 Age Group)
2022: National Youth Athletics Silver Medal (14.29 seconds)
2022: Junior National Athletics - Gold Medal (14.28 seconds)
    (All 110m hurdles)

Vidarbha’s international athletes
Olympian Rajeev Balakrishnan: 110m hurdles silver medallist at South Asian Games
Aparna Bhoyar-Thakre South Asian Games bronze medallist
Charulata Naigaonkar-Behare: Asian Athletics Championship fourth place finisher
Madhuri Gurnule: Afro-Asian Games participant
Kalpana Bante-Chikhle: Junior Asian Athletics Games participant
Vaishali Fating-Kshetrapal: International Athletics Grand Prix participant
Nikita Raut, Prajakta Godbole, Monica Raut: World University Games participants.

 

3 city footballers to play prestigious Durand Cup

 

 
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, July 17, 2024

NAGPUR footballers’ talent is being recognised in the country.
If Asheer Akhtar has been retained by NorthEast United for another year and will be playing the Durand Cup, two other footballers from the Orange City, in all probability, will be seen playing India’s oldest and prestigious football tournament, this season.
Apart from Asheer, who will be donning NorthEast United jersey, Vasu Kanojiya and Rashid Ansari, will be representing Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) football team in this edition’s Durand Cup starting July 27.
“The CISF team has been invited for Asia’s oldest tournament this season. We have been pitted against Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC in Group C and will be playing our league matches in Kolkata,” said Vasu Kanojiya from Delhi.
Asheer’s NorthEast United are placed in Group E and will play their matches against Odisha FC, Bodoland FC and BSF at Kokrajhar.
“Last year, we lost the semis but this season we are determined to move a step further,” Asheer confidently told ‘The Hitavada’ from Guwahati where the team is preparing for the 133rd edition of the tournament.
Vasu Kanojiya is a former Rahul Sankrutyayan Club’s midfielder and has joined CISF in 2022. Twice he has represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy National Championship.
“We are ready to take part in the most prestigious tournament of Asia,” said head constable Vasu, who has also led Nagpur University football team in the past.
Rashid, an assistant sub-inspector in CISF, is a senior player and has joined CISF way back in 2015. He played for Nagpur Football Club (NFC) in the NDFA Elite Division leagues.
The midfielder has helped NFC win the NDFA league twice in 2010 and 2011.
Durand Cup will feature a total of 43 matches with Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s taking on Downtown Heroes FC in the opening encounter at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Kamptee’s Asheer shining in ISL

 

 NorthEast United extends Asheer’s contract for a year

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 15, 2024

THEY could not let him go. Asheer Akhtar, who gallantly saved NorthEast United’s fortunes in the last edition’s Indian Super League, has been retained by the franchise for another year after the defender showed immense maturity and talent to bail his side out of
the pit.
“My contract has been extended for another year. Last year, I joined NorthEast United from Sreenidi Deccan FC. I think I have impressed NE United mamagement,” said Asheer while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from Guwahati on Monday.
Asheer, son of former City Police footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, has become a pillar of strength of NorthEast United in the country’s most popular league --ISL.
After the defender signed the north-eastern side last year, the team has progressed a lot with Asheer manning the defence line.
The sturdy defender became the ‘Wall’ for NE United and helped the side concede less number of goals to see the team finish at the seventh spot. Last season, NorthEast United played 22 matches and won six, drew eight and lost eight.
Asheer made it to the playing XI on 19 occasions and also scored a goal against Bengaluru FC and won two Hero of the match awards.
“Last year we missed the play-offs by one point and finished seventh but this year we are determined to make it to top six first, and then target the semis,” said the 29-year-old defender who also helped NorthEast United reach Durand Cup semis last year.
Asheer has been playing professionally since 2010. He joined SAIL Football Academy Bokaro and stayed there for two seasons. He spent a couple of seasons in Nagpur playing for Rabbani Club, Kamptee and then again moved to Pune FC Under-19 team. He shifted to Kashmir in 2014 to play second division and then played the Goa League in 2015.
In 2016, Asheer played I-League for Mumbai FC and then joined Bengaluru FC for another couple of years 2018-19). He then moved to East Bengal and then Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata before moving to Sreenidi Deccan Football Club in 2022.
“I started playing as a forward in school (MM Rabbani) and Rabbani Club. But when I moved to Pune, the coached as me to play as a defender. Since then I am playing as a right back,” said Asheer.
Asheer wants Nagpur players to stay calm and have patience.
“Nagpur has immense talent in football. The players need to be patient in their approach and should continue their hard work. One day they will also be able to play for big clubs,” concluded Asheer, who was part of the Hero ISL-winning squad with Bengaluru FC in the 2018-19 season.

Wankhade shining in UK 1st Div league.jpg

Hits two tons and as many fifties to take Dulwich to 4th spot in 10-team table

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 7, 2024

VIDARBHA’S power-hitting batter Apoorva Wankhade is tonking the balls in the United Kingdom.

Playing for Dulwich Cricket Club in the Surrey Championship, Wankhade has till date scored a couple of centuries and as many fifties for his side.

Wankhade had to sit out of the entire last season as he got injured during the VCA 

selection tournament—Bapuna Cup.

“I suffered with an ACL Ligament injury last year and had to sit out the whole season. It took five months to recover. Now, I am fully fit and ready for the challenges ahead,” Wankhade told ‘The Hitavada’ from Dulwich, on Saturday.

In the championship, Wankhade slammed 89 runs against Normandy Cricket Club. Batting first, Dulwich scored 215 from 43.5 overs with Wankhade hammering 78-ball 89 which had eight boundaries and four maximums. Normandy managed to post 213-8 in 50 overs.

In the other match, the lanky batter cracked a fine 128 from 114 deliveries, clobbering six sixes and nine boundaries which helped Dulwich crush  Walton on Thames Cricket Club by five wickets.

Dulwich chased down the target of 179 in 46.5 overs with Vidarbha’s Wankhade emerging the match’s highest scorer.

“The championship is played in a unique format. A team has to play 18 matches. Nine matches are played in 50-overs-per-side format and remaining nine in 120-overs-per-side. “Top two finishers move to the upper division,” informed Wankhade, who had hit his second century in the 120 overs format against Beddington Cricket Club.

Coming in at No 4, Wankhade continued his aggressive game and hit 121 runs from just 87 deliveries which helped his side post 267 all out in 56.3 overs.

Wankhade’s 121, highest for his side, was laced with 14 sweetly-timed boundaries and four sixes.

Wankhade felt that his good show in the UK will help him get his place back in the Vidarbha team. “My job is to score runs and I am doing that. If I have a bulk of runs under my belt it would help me in getting back into Vidarbha side. I still have  some 14-15 matches left here and will score runs in tons,” said  a confident Wankhade as he signed off to play for another match, this time against Old Hamptonians Cricket Club.

Welcome to Divisional Sports Complex ‘Water Park’

Water leaking from the roof of indoor hall

Dy Director Patil says, maintenance, repair work in progress

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, July 6

IT’S an Indoor Hall, no it’s a WATER PARK!!!

Welcome to the Indoor Hall of Divisional Sports Complex, situated in Mankapur, Koradi Road.

If anybody is eager to enjoy 'waterfall' in the city, pay a visit to the indoor hall during the rainy season.

Come rains and the ceiling starts leaking from various corners making it difficult for the shuttlers, paddlers, karatekas, judokas and other budding players to practice.

For years, tall claims have been made by politicians to make Nagpur a sporting hub. But the harsh reality is that hardly anything concrete has been done for the past many years.

Nagpur city is blessed with top leaders like Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and current Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to name a few. But despite these stalwarts' presence, sports has been neglected for years.

The present condition of the indoor hall of Divisional Sports Complex is the best example.

In March early this year, a whopping Rs 746 crore was sanctioned for the sports infrastructure development and upgradation of the Divisional Sports Complex. But till date not a single brick has been put in place.

Officials only say, the paperwork is in process and construction work will begin soon.

SOON... How soon? Even they don’t know.

If the indoor hall is leaking, the synthetic track which was laid a few years back is inviting injuries to the athletes as it is torn in some areas.

A video has gone viral on social media where rain water can be seen pouring inside the hall from the roof with a budding shuttler still managing to continue her practice.

When contacted, Shekhar Patil, Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Services, Nagpur Division, said that maintenance work is being carried out regularly,

“The indoor hall is more than a decade old. It is not that we don’t carry out maintenance work. The workers are doing their job regularly. Daily, the leakage on the roof is identified and plugged. Today’s leakage is at another location. This is a new leakage and we will definitely repair it,” said Patil.

It is surprising that despite financial allocations for the Divisional Sports Complex in crores, hardly any development is seen in the recent past.

If we go by records, the State Government had disbursed Rs 51.20 crore for the Complex. Similarly, Rs 63.20 crore was also disbursed by the District Planning Committee from the Playground Development Scheme.

Earlier this year, a proposal of Rs 683.79 crore was put up for the upgradation and renovation of the complex. Accordingly, the government had approved Rs 746.99 crore through which the latest sports infrastructure was to be developed.

In March 2023, the State Government had allocated another Rs 100 crore for the sports complex.

In January, 2020, the then State Government had proposed an ambitious Divisional Sports Complex expansion plan worth Rs 123 crore.

The plan included construction of an international standard swimming pool, shooting range, hockey astro turf, a multipurpose sports indoor hall, an athletics track for practice apart from renovation of the present indoor hall. 

The hockey astro turf and shooting range were proposed at the far corner of the premises, behind the athletics synthetic track gallery.

VCA Civil Lines’ chance of hosting eves domestic KO ties ‘brightens’

  

 

The Old Stadium illuminated with floodlights

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

WITH Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Civil Lines getting upgraded with floodlights, there are possibilities of the venue hosting women’s white-ball knock-out matches in coming days.
In less than two months, VCA has upgraded the Civil Lines Stadium with the Lux LED lights which will now fulfil BCCI’s demand of hosting women’s domestic knock-out matches under lights.
The testing of lights were held on Thursday night and there was a bright glow all over the spherical venue.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’, VCA Chief Executive Officer Farokh Dastoor said that the floodlights are installed at a cost of around Rs four crores.
“There was a need for lights on the ground. There were many factors which compelled the association to upgrade the facilities. With the BCCI making it compulsory to hold women’s knock-out matches under lights we decided to have one at one of the oldest venues of the country,” said Dastoor.
Chennai-based Lighting Technology in collaboration with a Russian firm installed the four towers and the LED light panels.
“A total of 192 LED lights have been installed with each tower having 48 lights,” informed Dastoor.
As per ICC rules, lighting at the ground should be of 2500 Lux. But VCA went further and installed the lights of 3500 Lux, making it brighter.
(Lux is a standardised unit of measurement of light level intensity. It is commonly referred to as illuminance or illumination. One Lux is equal to the illumination of one metre square surface that is one metre away from a single candle.)
Dastoor said that with the upgrade, VCA now qualifies
for hosting the knock-out matches.
“We are the only association in the country having four grounds, with one exclusively for women. The BCCI wanted all the women’s white ball knock-outs matches to be conducted under lights. Earlier, we could not host knock-outs as we had only one ground with lighting facilities (VCA Jamtha). But now we can host women’s knock-out matches at both the grounds. We hope that in the coming season, we might host women’s domestic games (U-19, U-23),” said Dastoor.
Not only the women’s matches, even other age group teams of Vidarbha will take the benefit of
training under light in the city itself.

Gurbani, who helped Vid win Ranji title with a hat-trick, moves to Maharashtra

By Paritosh Pramanik

Vidarbha’s pace bowling sensation, Rajneesh Gurbani, who helped Vidarbha win their maiden Ranji Trophy title with a hat-trick in the 2018 final, has decided to part ways with the team for better future.
Gurbani became the second cricketer from Vidarbha after Mohit Kale to move away from their home team. A couple of days ago, middle-order bat Kale moved to Pondicherry, due to job transfer.
Gurbani has decided to join Maharashtra and got the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) on Thursday.
Gurbani posted the news on his social media handle in which he wrote a lengthy thanksgiving letter.
Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’ 31-year-old Gurbani felt he has left enough cricket in him and he still dreams of playing for the country.
“I have been thinking of switching to another team (State) since last one year. This decision was not easy. I pondered over a lot and had discussions with many on this. But in the end I thought that if I have to dream of playing for India I will have to play more and take wickets. With Vidarbha, I played only seven matches in the last three years. It was frustrating,” said Gurbani, who has also played Deodhar Trophy and has taken six wickets.
“To fulfil my dream I will have to take wickets and to take wickets I will have to play as many matches as I can. When the opportunity (to play for Maharashtra) came, I decided to move. Actually, we, the players of Vidarbha, are emotionally attached with the State team. We don’t want to leave the State. But for better prospects I decided to leave one of the best teams,” added Gurbani, who made his Vidarbha debut in 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season.
The lanky right-hand pacer was candid in saying that it was frustrating sitting out of the team. “I played only seven matches in the last three years for Vidarbha and out of that we won four (Ranji) outright. But somehow I was not getting the opportunities. Later, I was not even picked in the team of 17. It was frustrating,” revealed Gurbani, who took the hat-trick in the Ranji final in Indore against Delhi.
On his best moment with Vidarbha team, Gurbani said the last wicket of Karnataka in the final (2018) was memorable. “Karnataka needed some five odd runs and I was bowling and took the last wicket, caught in gully by Apoorva Wankhade was one of the most memorable moments for me till date,” narrated Gurbani who has 111 First Class wickets under his belt which included seven five-fors and one 10-wicket haul.
In that match, Gurbani took twelve wickets including career-best figures of 7-68 in the second innings.
Gurbani was the highest-wicket taker for Vidarbha in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season, with 39 dismissals from six matches.
The medium-pacer also played Duleep Trophy (India Red) in 2018. In the opening match, he snared seven wickets for 81 runs, and was named the man of the match.
Gurbani has also played the Deodhar Trophy (India C) in the 2018-19 season.

______________

 

Gurbani’s post on Instagram

 

I write this with utmost gratitude towards VCA for giving me the opportunity to serve them as a cricketer for the past over 9 years. Having won the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy titles for Vidarbha twice, taking a hat-trick for VCA in the Ranji Trophy final and being a member of this amazing team has been the best memory till date.
However, today with immense humility and a heavy heart, I have decided to part ways with Vidarbha Cricket Association keeping in mind my personal growth and other great opportunities coming my way.
I feel there is a lot of cricket left in me and my services can be better utilised by other teams around the country.
Playing and sharing the dressing room with legends of the game- Faiz Fazal, Wasim Jaffar Sir and Umesh Yadav has been very special for me. I have learnt a lot under their guidance, and their hard work and dedication has always inspired me a lot. I would also like to thank the entire VCA team members who are also my dear friends for always believing in me and having a positive and friendly environment on and off the field.
Grateful to VCA management for all the support given and I hope our paths cross again in future! Until then, signing off. All the best for the upcoming season.

Middle-order batter Kale parts ways with Vidarbha

 

 

Joins Pondicherry and hopes to play against Vidarbha in coming season

 

n By Paritosh Pramanik

MIDDLE-ORDER batter Mohit Kale has decided to part ways with Vidarbha and is aiming to play for Pondicherry in the coming BCCI’s domestic season.
The talented right-handed batter, who joined the Income Tax Department in Chennai a year ago has been transferred to Pondicherry.
Despite his job in Chennai, Kale continued to play for Vidarbha till last season.
With a new assignment and new State, Kale decided to part ways with Vidarbha for good.
The 27-year-old got the No Objection Certificate from Vidarbha Cricket Association on Tuesday evening.
Kale will be aiming to get into the Pondicherry cricket team and try his luck in the coming Ranji Trophy season.
“I got my NOC today only. I want to represent Pondicherry in the coming season, hence I had to take the NOC. Till now, even though I was appointed in the Income Tax Department in Chennai, I continued to play for, and in Vidarbha in the local tournaments,” Kale told ‘The Hitavada’.
It was one of the most difficult decisions when Kale decided to switch States. “For the past 4-5 months I have been thinking about this. It was not easy to part ways with the State which gave me everything. But I had no choice,” said Kale, who has won U-19 and U-23 titles for Vidarbha and was captain of the age group sides for around six years.
“It’s not easy to lead a State team for six years. Vidarbha Cricket Association showed faith in me and trusted in my abilities and handed over the teams to me,” Kale stated.
“I think I justified their trust,” he added.
With competition in Vidarbha too stiff, Kale did not get much of an opportunity in the Vidarbha Ranji team. But whenever he got the chance, he tried to prove his selection. Kale made his debut for Vidarbha Ranji team in 2019 and has a century (138 runs) under his belt which he scored against Rajasthan.
“As compared to Vidarbha, the competition in Pondicherry will be far less. Being a Ranji and Irani Trophy winner has its own weightage. I am sure I will prove myself and get selected in the Pondicherry Ranji team,” hoped Kale whose cricketing journey with Vidarbha started with Under-13 teams.
Kale was thankful to VCA for the player and person he is today.
“VCA has been very kind to me in my journey. The association gave everything to me and helped me in every possible way. It is because of the association’s support that I could reach this far in my career. I would like to thank each and every member of VCA for their support,” said Kale.
If all goes well, ‘Pondicherry’s Kale’ would be facing Vidarbha in the coming Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali as both the teams are placed in the same group of the domestic tournaments.
“Hope I get a chance to play against my home side,” Kale concluded.

 

City’s Divya is World Junior Chess Champion

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, June 13, 2024

SHE was determined to become world junior champion and Nagpur’s International Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh added another trophy to her already overflowing cupboard after she claimed the World Junior Girls’ Chess Crown at the Gift City Club in Gandhinagar on Thursday.

In the final round, 18-year-old Divya beat Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva of Bulgaria to emerge as the clear champion.

“I was determined to win the World Junior Championship. I had prepared well for the competition and my hard work paid,” said an elated Divya while sharing her happiness with ‘The Hitavada.’

Divya was on a winning spree. She had just tasted title success last month when she annexed the Sharjah Challengers in Sharjah.

Continuing her title winning spree, Divya, who was seeded top, justified her billing as she finished with 10 points out of a possible 11 and remained unbeaten, winning nine games and drawing two.

Over 100 players from 27 countries participated in the competition.

The Nagpur girl had a half-a-point lead over Mariam Mkrtchyan of Armenia after seven rounds. IM Divya, with and elo of 2456, then defeated fellow Indian Sachi Jain in the penultimate round to take her tally to nine points.

It was a dominant performance from Divya who maintained the sole lead in the last five rounds. It was a memorable tournament for the daughter of Dr Jitendra and Namrata, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim her maiden World Junior girl’s chess championship title.

Divya took the advantage of playing at home and defeated opponents on her way to the top.

“Yes, playing at home is always helpful but yes I had to fight for this crown,” Divya shared her views with this newspaper.

Though she lifted the winner’s trophy aloft with a satisfactory smile on her face, the competition was “exhaustive” for Divya whose confidence started growing after her win in the sixth round.

“It was an exhaustive competition but my confidence grew after I defeated WIM Allahverdiyeva Ayan of Azerbaijan in the sixth round,” added the newly-crowned junior world champion.

In the final round, the immensely gifted Divya, playing with white pieces, started brilliantly and had a great opportunity to surge ahead. 

According to reports, a Queen Pawn opening by the Divya resulted in a slightly better middle game against Beloslava. 

The constant pressure that she exerted helped Divya increase her advantage, significantly weakening the black’s pawn structure.

The exchanges did not bother Divya as in the ensuing Queen and Rook endgame, the Indian pocketed a pawn making Beloslava’s king vulnerable. 

A timely exchange was about to reach a completely winning king and pawns endgame for Divya when the Bulgarian called it a day.

Divya has now joined the elite list of Indian women chess players who have won the Under-20 world titles earlier. She is now the fourth Indian women player to win the championships after Koneru Humpy (2001), Dronavalli Harika (2008) and Soumya Swaminathan (2009).

BOX

DIVYA’S ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD

Beat WCM Anupam M Sreekuma

Beat Sherali Pattnaik

Beat WIM Tejaswini G

Drew with WIM Hryzlova Sofiia

Beat Abdinova Narmin

Beat WIM Allahverdiyeva Ayan

Drew with WIM Mkrtchyan Mariam

Beat Norman Kseniya

Beat WGM Rakshitta Ravi

Beat WFM Sachi Jain

Beat WGM Krasteva Beloslava

FIH Pro League crucial for India before Paris Games: Olympian Dad

By Paritosh Pramanik

May 9, 2024

The FIH Pro League Hockey Tournament starting from May 22 will be crucial for Indian hockey team ahead of Paris Olympics, said Olympian Sameer Dad.

India will be participating in the FIH Pro League, which will be the last tournament for India to fine-tune their performance ahead of the mega event.

Sydney Olympian Sameer Dad, who was in Nagpur to select players for his Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, said that a lot will depend on how India perform at Belgium and London during the Pro League meets.

“The Pro league performance will be crucial for the Indian team as it will set the template for Paris Olympics,” said Dad while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at VHA ground.

Hockey India on Thursday named the 24-member Indian team that will take part in the FIH Hockey Pro League to be held in Antwerp, Belgium and London, England.

The team will be led by defender and ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh while Hardik Singh has been named as his deputy.

The Belgium leg of FIH Pro League will begin on May 22 and end on 30 while the England leg will start on June 1 and conclude on 12th. 

During the Pro League, India will play against Argentina, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain twice each across both legs. They will kick-start their campaign against Argentina on May 22. 

India are currently placed third in the points table, with 15 points from eight 

matches.

Dad said that India are placed in a tough pool at Paris Olympics and will have to play to the best of their abilities to make the knock-outs.

India are placed in Group B along side reigning champions Belgium, Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. 

“We have been playing good hockey in the recent past. I am sure that if India play to their potential they can make it to knock-outs. A lot would depend on captain Harmanpreet Singh. He will have to convert short corners. At the same time, the strikers will have to earn penalty corners for Harmanpreet,” said Dad, a 1998 Bangkok Asian Games gold medal winner.

“Of late, the team has been playing good hockey. The players are together for quite some time and have gelled well. They can beat any team if they play as a cohesive unit,” said the former India forward Dad.

Dad also praised goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who is in  the twilight of his career.

“Sreejesh has been excellent for India for past several years. He is the wall for us and his form will be very crucial for us at Paris. With age catching up, India should also put more responsibilities on other goalkeepers like Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Kerkera so that they are ready once Sreejesh hands his boots,” Dad 

concluded.

MPHA conducts trials at VHA ground

Special Correspondent

May 8

There was quite a buzz at the  Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) ground on Wednesday evening. For the first time, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy (MPHA) moved out of its region and came to Nagpur to select players for its renowned academy.

Around 60 players from as far as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Balewadi Pune, apart from Amravati, Armori, Bhandara, Gondia, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Bramhapuri and Nagpur appeared for the trials which was held under the watchful eyes of hockey Olympian Sameer Dad, who is coach of the academy. The players were seen playing some fast paced hockey during the trial 

matches.

Dad was impressed with the talent. “This kids are really talented. They have skills and stamina. I am really impressed,” said Dad while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

“This is for the first time we have ventured out of Madhya Pradesh to pick players for our academy. Irshad Mirza requested me to watch the talent of Vidarbha players and we decided to see what this region boasts of. I am happy that we came here,” said Dad who was accompanied by other selectors including  Dr Habib Hasan and Lokendra Sharma.

The selection trials will be conducted in five phases with the one at Nagpur being the second. “We have completed phase one where we visited Guna, Gwalior, Murena and Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh. From Nagpur we will move to Seoni, Baitul, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Damoh, Tikamgarhand Sagar,” informed Dad who was part of Indian team that participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The trials were held in Under-14 and Under-18 age categories. Irshad Mirza, Bablu Neware, Umesh Yadav assisted during the trials.

Earlier, Dad and his team was welcomed by Social Worker Kishor Jichkar, Harish Kapoor, Krishna Joshi, Shahnawaz Khan and others.

MP Hockey Academy’s selection trials to be conducted in Nagpur

By Paritosh Pramanik

WITH those entrusted to develop and promote hockey in Nagpur hardly doing anything, the selection trials for the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy (men) to be held in the city in May has come as a fresh lease of life for the players.

Hockey has been dead in Nagpur and the concerned authorities are hardly taking any steps in conducting any tournaments since the past couple of years.

According to a notification from the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, TT Nagar Stadium, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy will be conducting selection trials in Nagpur to pick players for its residential academy.

The trials will be held from April 29 to May 29 at different districts of Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur.

In Nagpur, the trials will be held at Vidarbha Hockey Association ground, Amravati Road on May 8.

According to the notification, a copy of which is with ‘The Hitavada’, MP Hockey Academy coach Olympian Sameer Dad will be coming to Nagpur on May 8 to select the men players.

“We will be picking players in the age group of 14 and 18 years. Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy has to select 80 per cent players from Madhya Pradesh and 20 per cent from other parts of the country,” informed Olympian Dad while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on Monday evening.

“The selection trials will be held in four phases with the first phase starting on April 29 from Guna in Madhya Pradesh. The second phase will begin from May 6, third from May 20 and the last phase on May 27-29 at major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Bhopal,” elaborated Dad, who played for India in 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Along with Olympian Dad who is the chief selector of MP Hockey Academy, two others — Lokendra Sharma, Higher Technical coach cum advisor and Dr Habib Hasan district Hockey coach — will be travelling to Nagpur for the one-day selection trials.

The other selection panel includes Dr Shipra Shrivastava and Amit Rathore.

“I have been informed about the rich talent of hockey in Nagpur and Amravati by Irshad Mirza. Hence, we decided to pick the best of the players,” said Dad.

“Players not only from Nagpur but also from Amravati and other districts will be able to take part in the selection trials,” stated Olympian Dad.

Those interested in appearing for the trials will have to carry Aadhaar Card, birth certificate, residence proof and photographs.

Bidari approves plans for various sports facilities at Div Sports Complex

Sports Reporter

NAGPUR, March 5

GIVING a major push to the infrastructure development and expansion of Divisional Sports Complex, Divisional Commissioner and Vice-Chairman of Divisional Sports Complex Executive Committee Vijayalakshmi Bidari on Tuesday approved the plan of various sports and commercial facilities of international standards to be set up at the sports complex situated at Mankapur. 

During a meeting, Bidari instructed the concerned officials to implement the tender process as soon as the plan gets administrative approval from the High Authority Committee.

During the meeting, Collector Dr Vipin Itankar; Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Saumya Sharma; Public Works Department Superintending Engineer JH Bhanuse; Member Secretary and Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services Shekhar Patil; Education Officer (Secondary) JA Wakodkar; District Sports Officer Pallavi Dhatrak; Project management consultant and business consultant were present.

In a major financial boost to sports infrastructure development in the city, Maharashtra Government had approved a whopping Rs 746.99 crore for the renovation and expansion of the complex.

With the instructions and guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the Divisional Sports Complex Executive Committee, Devendra Fadnavis, a plan has been prepared regarding various sports and commercial facilities at the complex. 

According to a release, about 20 to 25 sports facilities including renovation of existing facilities, sports club, accommodation for athletes, sports science centre, sports convention centre, courses affiliated with national and international universities has been proposed.

State Govt approves Rs 746.99 cr for Divisional Sports Complex

Sports Reporter

IN A major financial boost to sports infrastructure development in the city, Maharashtra Government has approved a whopping Rs 746.99 crore for the renovation and expansion of Divisional Sports Complex situated in Mankapur, Koradi Road.

According to a release from the State Government, the Divisional Sports Complex will get the status of State-Level Sports Complex just like Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Balewadi in Pune.

This will pave the way to improve the sports facilities upto international standard at the complex.

Maharashtra Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode informed that the State cabinet has approved Rs 746.99 crore for the renovation and construction of international sports facilities at Divisional Sports Complex.

“Divisional Sports Complex at Nagpur has been given the status of a State-level sports complex so that sports facilities of national and international standards can be made available to players and coaches, as well as for hosting national and international level sports competitions in Nagpur. The cabinet has approved the revised budget of 746.99 crores for the upgradation and renovation of the complex,” Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Bansode informed.

During a meeting, it was proposed to upgrade and renovate the Divisional Sports Complex on the lines of Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune.

Accordingly, a swimming pool, squash court, tennis court, basketball court, archery range, hockey, football pavillion and other facilities will be constructed at the 61 acres of land of Divisional Sports Complex.

This will be beneficial for the players and coaches of not only Nagpur but entire Vidarbha.

According to a media release, the State Government had earlier disbursed Rs 51.20 crore for Divisional Sports Complex, Nagpur. Similarly, Rs 63.20 crores has also been disbursed from the District Planning Committee from the Playground Development Scheme. 

“Recently, a proposal of Rs 683.79 crore was put up for the upgradation and renovation of the complex. Accordingly, the Government approved Rs 746.99 crore through which the latest sports infrastructure will be developed,” Bansode said.

In March 2023, the State Government had allocated Rs 100 crores for the Divisional Sports Complex.

In January, 2020, the then State Government had proposed an ambitious Divisional Sports Complex expansion plan worth Rs 123 crore. The plan included construction of an international standard swimming pool, shooting range, hockey astro turf, a multipurpose sports indoor hall, an athletics track for practice apart from renovation of the present indoor hall. The hockey astro turf and shooting range were proposed at the far corner of the premises, behind the athletics synthetic track gallery.

RTMNU spending around Rs 3 cr on sports infra renovation

RTMNU spending around Rs 3 cr on sports infra renovation

Two new hova courts being relaid for Ashwamedh

Renovation work in full swing at Sports Complex in Ravi Nagar for State Inter-University meet

By Paritosh Pramanik

THE sound of cutting metal bars and tiles was piercing the ears, making it almost difficult to talk. Two men were ‘dangerously’ sitting on the iron angles constructed around 40 feet above the ground level, adjusting the new LED light panels. Rubble was all over and workers were busy cleaning each and every corner.

This is not any construction site but Subhedar Hall of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University at Ravi Nagar where the renovation work is in full swing for the Ashwamedh Sports Festival starting January 12.

RTMNU is burning midnight oil to be ready for the State level Inter-University competition. The university will be hosting Ashwamedh Sports event at its Sports Complex where Badminton, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball and Athletics events will be held.

RTMNU has undertaken the renovation work which will cost around Rs 3 crore. The Subhedar Hall, where badminton events will be conducted is undergoing major upgradation. New LED lights are being put up for better and bright visibility. Two new hova courts will be relaid in a couple of days after the work of replacing wooden borders with tiles is completed.

The washrooms are also being refurbished with workers making it sure that they make it ready before the deadline.

Similar construction and repair works are being done at the table tennis hall, beside Subhedar hall.

To make it attractive and welcome 1600 sportspersons and officials from 23 universities of the State, huge iron gates are also being erected at the entrance of the newly laid synthetic track as well as Subhedar hall.

Shamiyanas for athletics officials are giving the venue a royal look.

“Teams will start coming from January 11 and the events will start the next day. All the five events will be held at the same venue (sports complex),” Dr Sharad Surywanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU, told ‘The Hitavada’

“Around Rs 3 crore is being spent on renovation and repair works. This State level event will help us in upgrading our facilities which will be of immense help for the sportspersons,” stated Dr Suryawanshi.

“Volleyball matches will be played on six courts while badminton ties will be held on four courts. Similarly, the basketball matches will be played on two courts and table tennis on six tables,” informed Suryawanshi even as the fixtures were being prepared in his office.

“MLA Hostel, 160 tenements, Raj Nagar quarters will be accommodating all the players, officials and coaches, numbering around 2600,” Dr Suryawanshi said.