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By Paritosh Pramanik
Jan 12, 2020
HE MIGHT have hung his hockey stick more than a decade ago and now trades his tricks with a tennis racquet, but three-time Olympian Mervyn Fernandes’ heart still beats for his first love.
The Moscow Olympic gold winning forward feels that the Pro League Hockey Tournament, to be held at Bhubaneswar next week, will be a good preparation for Indian hockey team ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics later this year.
Eagerly waiting for his doubles match at the CP Club Tennis Court, Fernandes took out time for ‘The Hitavada’ on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.
“It will be a great tournament (Pro League) for us before the Olympics. Playing with a higher ranked team will definitely help us in preparing for the Tokyo event,” said Fernandes.
India will be playing two matches in the Pro League tournament against world Number 3 The Netherlands on January 18 and 19.
Fernandes felt that it was a good move to play top ranked teams before major tournament. “Earlier this (playing stronger teams) was not there. But now Hockey India has made it sure we play top teams of the world. This will definitely help us in future,” felt Fernandes who has played three Olympics — 1980 (Moscow), 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul).
“It will be two good matches against the Netherlands. I am sure Manpreet Singh-led side will give a tough fight to the Dutch team.
“Our fitness level has improved leaps and bounds and players are much fitter nowadays. This will help us in future tournaments, including Tokyo games,” added Fernandes, a 1992 Arjuna Award winner.
The former Indian forward said at present all the top 10 teams are excellent and can’t be taken for granted.
“All the top 10 ranked teams including Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany and even New Zealand are very tough. We can’t take any team for granted. All are capable of creating upsets. But I am sure India will definitely perform well,” hoped Fernandes.
Fernandes accepted that the Indian team has a habit of conceding goals in dying moments but was optimistic it will be changed soon.
“Yes, we have lost many crucial matches in major tournaments by conceding goals in the dying moments. Those minute lapses cost us match from strong position,” he added. “But I am sure that will change in coming years.”
On Hockey India’s recent diktat of One State One Unit, Fernandes said only players will suffer.
Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association will have to merge with Hockey Maharashtra if Hockey India remains firm on its stand.
“What is the purpose? Only players will suffer. You have to see the effect first. They say, state team will become more stronger. But I think it will not be the case. Some good players would not get selected and that would be harsh on them. We don’t want voting rights but we want our players to play and get national certificates,” he concluded.
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE very existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), hockey governing body of Vidarbha, seems in danger, yet again. The Hockey India (HI) has once again reiterated its stand on ‘One State One Association’ citing Indian Olympic Association’s order for the National Sports Federations.
In 2009, when the Indian Olympic Association had formed Hockey India after dissolving Indian Hockey Federation, the issue of One State One Unit had come up.
The then VHA President BC Bhartia and Secretary Vinod Gawai had presented their case in an excellent manner and had managed to convince Hockey India. VHA, along with several other associations, had then received Associate Membership of Hockey India.
However, Hockey India has once again raked up the issue and has mailed notices to 10 hockey Units including VHA asking them to merge with the State body. In VHA’s case, it, along with The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd, will have to merge with Hockey Maharashtra, which has its headquarters at Pune.
VHA’s merger with Hockey Maharashtra means it will be reduced to a district unit. The biggest sufferer will be the players who will have to fight for place in the Maharashtra squad.
At present VHA sends its teams (18 member) to Hockey India organised national championships.
The deadline given by HI to merge with State association is June 30, 2020.
“From July 1, 2020 onwards the membership of your unit with Hockey India will deemed to be withdrawn and you will be required to co-ordinate your sports activities related to hockey with respective the State Member,” the notice stated.
According to the HI circular issued on Monday, a copy of which is with ‘The Hitavada’, Hockey India has emphasised all the state associations to sync their functioning /structure with the Constitution of Indian Olympic Association (IOC).
The circular, signed by Cdr R K Shrivastava, VSM, Executive Director, Hockey India, has been addressed to President/General Secretary of Andhra Hockey Association, Hockey Madhya Bharat, Hockey Bhopal, Hockey Gangpur,- Odisha, Hockey Patiala, Bengaluru Hockey Association, Hockey Coorg, Hockey Him, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association.
Hockey India cited Clause 31.1.3 of IOA’s Constitution which stated: “The right to vote in any of the National Sports Federation is granted to those Associations that have only one Sports Association in one State for those sports. It implies, therefore, that in the field of Sports, it will be “One State, One Unit” and at the National level it will also be one unit (National Sports Federation) for one sport.”
The notice also stated that IOA has recently issued direction in this regard to Equestrian Federation of India.
The matter of bringing all state units in IOA Constitution was discussed in the HI Congress held in November 2019. “It was decided that henceforth Hockey India is also required to follow Clause 31.1.3 of IOA’s Constitution. As such there will henceforth be ‘One State, One Unit’ in Hockey India also.
“It was also decided that the above decision will take effect from 1st July, 2020. Therefore, the teams of your unit will be permitted to participate in the scheduled events being conducted by Hockey India up to 30th June, 2020,” the letter
stated.
This means VHA teams can participate in the forthcoming national championships for boys and girls which will be held before June 30, 2020. After that their existence, in all probability, will end.
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To save VHA, all members
should come together: Sidhra
By Paritosh Pramanik
TO SAVE the existence of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) all members, including the 13 executive committee members, will now have to come together for the sake of players, felt Deputy Charity Commissioner-appointed VHA Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra.
VHA, at present, is run by Administrator Sidhra after differences grew in the ruling 13-member body.
Sidhra said he had talked with Hockey India Executive Director Cdr RK Shrivastava, VSM on the precarious situation. “I had a talk with Cdr Shrivastava and he has asked me to send our grievances and reason for not merging with Hockey Maharashtra. I have even talked with other Units like Mumbai, Andhra and a few others. We will chalk out a plan and submit our reports,” Sidhra told ‘The Hitavada’.
“But before that I want all members of VHA to iron out their differences and come together to save existence of the association. This is very crucial time for the association and bickering among ourselves will only harm our efforts to save VHA,” said Sidhra.
Sidhra also claimed that Hockey Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore has never invited them for any meeting. “I have not talked with Mr Bhore. We were never invited to attend any meeting of Hockey Maharashtra,” he said.
Hockey India has given time to ‘associate’ units till June 30, 2020 and Sidhra said they will find out some way to convince HI.
“It’s almost six months for us to save our association. We have to present our case with a powerful draft. We will have to show how VHA is working for the development of the game since more than 60 years,” said Sidhra.
“But this will be possible only if all the stakeholders keep their egos away and come together. Moreover, they should think about the players who would be the biggest losers,” Sidhra signed off.
By Paritosh Pramanik
January 3, 2020
IF ALL goes well, football in city will have a new destination from coming season. Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) has started developing its ground — Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium, situated at Suyog Nagar in North Nagpur, on
war-footing.
A lush green lawn turf will be in offing within a couple of months.
After NDFA got the piece of land from Nagpur Improvement Trust last year, the association wasted no time in developing it. The ground will help the game of football grow in the city, specially in North Nagpur.
‘The Hitavada’ visited the ‘site’ where around 70 per cent of the playing area is relaid with lawn grass. The playing area is secured with around 10-foot high chain fencing which will help protect the grass turf.
The ground has been levelled and proper slope has been carried out to drain out rain water.
Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium will also house NDFA offices in future. It will have President’s and Secretary’s cabins apart from separate changing rooms for boys and girls, officials’ cabin and a conference hall.
NDFA President Haresh Vora said work is likely to be completed by March 2020.
“The development work is going on war-footing and the stadium will be ready by March,” said Vora. “Due to court cases the development work has been delayed,” he added.
NDFA is investing around Rs 60 lakh for the construction of ground and stadium. “Till now we have spent around Rs 40 lakh. We will be spending another Rs 20 lakh from our (NDFA) pockets. To construct a world class stadium with spectators galleries we need around Rs 7-8 crore,” informed Vora.
The association is also trying to extend the lease of the ground which is at present of 15 years. “We are trying to get the lease extended for 30 years. If we get our lease extended we can get funds from government. Several corporate houses including JSW and MOIL are ready to help us in constructing a beautiful stadium,” said Vora. “For residents of Suyog Nagar, we have kept the gates open so that they can use the green gym and the walking track. We have not stopped anybody from entering the ground. Only the playing area is covered as it has Bermuda grass,” said Vora.
It was a long-cherished dream of football fraternity of the region to have its own soccer field.
Their dreams, it seems, are coming true. n
Special General Meeting to approve the constitution for Club House on Dec 22
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE proposal of Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) of having its own Club House has gathered pace with the association calling a Special General Meeting to approve the Constitution.
The Special General Meeting is scheduled to be held on December 22, it has been learnt.
A notice for the same has been dispatched to all the life members of the association.
A proposal for NDFA’s Club House had been incorporated in the association’s Constitution a few years back. However, it was kept on the back-burner as the football governing body of the district did not have its own playfield or land. Now with the NIT providing a piece of land to the association in Suyog Nagar, NDFA has decided to frame a Constitution for Club House.
“It’s at a very nascent stage. Several years ago when we amended our Constitution we incorporated construction of Club House for our privileged members,” said an NDFA official.
“The idea is to prepare a lush green football field at the Suyog Nagar ground and at the same time start construction of Club House which would help the association raise funds for the maintenance of ground,” said the official.
When contacted, NDFA president Haresh Vora confirmed the development but said it was at a very initial stage.
“It is at a very inceptive stage now. Yes, we have called a special meeting to approve the Constitution of the Club House on December 22. We want to keep the Constitution ready for future. Once all the court cases (on the land) are cleared we would try to speed up the process,” Vora informed ‘The Hitavada.’
Vora, who is also the Vice-President of Western India Football Association (WIFA) said, “If all goes well, we will try to rope in some big firms on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis to run the Club House. It would help us in generating funds for maintaining the ground and running the association.”
According to sources, the life members will get privileged membership of Club House at a discounted rate. “We would make sure that the life members get their due. They would be incorporated as Club House members at a very nominal rate,” said the source.
Vora said there would be a separate body that would run the Club but it will be governed by the NDFA.
“The NDFA executive committee will have all the decision making powers. The Club House’s elected body will take their decision and will convey it to the NDFA executive committee which would then confirm/reject it,” said Vora.
By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR’S chess prodigy Raunak Sadhwani, who recently became city’s first and India’s 65th Grandmaster, said that its now time to celebrate the new milestone. Sadhwani, 13, created history after he achieved GM title at the FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss 2019 at Isle of Man, in United Kingdom.
Raunak became the ninth youngest chess Grandmaster in the world at 13 years, nine months and 28 days. He had kept “Champagne on Ice” as he wanted to concentrate on the tournament. He achieved the third GM norm and collected 2500 live rating points during the tournament. But after the tournament was over, the chess prodigy decided to celebrate his achievement.
Ranked 129th in the tournament which was heavily loaded with several world chess champions, Raunak finished at a creditable 71st position in the meet.
Before boarding a return flight to India, GM Raunak took to facebook to share his happiness.
“Grandmaster!! Happy to have achieved this New Milestone. 65th GM from India. Started the New Chess Board!! Played some good Chess, Time to Celebrate Now... Back to Home after the Fabulous FIDE chess.com Grand Swiss Event!!,” Raunak wrote on his facebook page.
The Centre Point School, Katol Road student also thanked India’s first Grandmaster and former World Champion Viswanathan Anand who had congratulated Raunak on micro blogging site twitter.
“Thank you so very much Anand sir. Your tweet made this memorable moment so very special!!,” thanked Raunak while posting his pictures and tweets of GM Anand.
GM Anand had congratulated Raunak on twitter after the tournament. “Congrats to Raunak Sadhwani! He starts the new chessboard of GM’s. Funnily, I once played him in simul and mentioned that he had great talent. A few years later at #IOMchess he has me on the ropes. And I thought this kid is just something else!!,” Anand lavished praise on Raunak.
The multiple-time world champion did not miss to congratulate Raunak’s mother Heena who saw Raunak achieving the GM title in flesh and blood.
“A big congrats to his mom. She watched him complete his norm with anxiety, love, excitement. It brought back so many memories. This is just the beginning!,” added Anand.
Raunak, who got training from Grand Master Abhijeet Kunte, did not forget to thank his sponsors Lakshya Sports and Sony Pictures & Network.
“Thank you so much Lakshya Sports & Sony pictures Network Ltd. for supporting me in a Big way !! Grateful !!,” he acknowledged.
Raunak’s proud mother Heena was also elated and she also took to facebook to congratulate her Grandmaster kid.
“Heartiest Congratulations!! Grandmaster Raunak Sadhwani !! Very Impressive Performance !! You Amazes Us Everytime !! Be Blessed !! Grandmaster mom# super proud,” she posted on her facebook page from Manchester airport.
By Paritosh Pramanik
TALENTED boxer of city Alfiya Akram Pathan punched above her weight to win gold medal at the ASBC Asian Junior Championships 2019 at Fujairah, Dubai, UAE, on Friday. After missing the gold medal by a whisker at Serbia meet earlier this year, Alfiya made it sure she did not miss it this time.
Participating in 80+ weight category, 16-year-old Alfiya thrashed Magauyayeva Diana of Kazakhastan to clinch the yellow metal with utmost ease.
Alfiya, who earlier won a silver and a bronze at Serbia, had a bye in the first round and met the Kazakh opponent in the final bout which she won hands down with a 5-0 favourable verdict.
Being the last tournament for her in junior category, Alfiya made most of the opportunity. She was eager to leave the junior category on a promising note which she did with a gold medal.
Alfiya, whose father Akram works with City Police Department, was extremely happy with her gold winning performance.
“I am super happy with my performance. This gold means a lot to me. I have worked really very hard for this. Today, my hard work paid off. Being away from home (she practised at SAI Rohtak) and training day in day out...for this piece of gold. It means a lot,” Alfiya told ‘The Hitavada’ from Dubai.
“The experience of playing the Asian championship was great. This was my last year in junior category. For me it was a major competition before I changed my category. I gained lot from this tour and it will definitely help me in youth category,” said Alfiya.
Alfiya said, though she played only one match, the competition was tough. It was a tough game. But I played as per plan and waited for my opportunities. I was waiting for this competition for the last two years. It did not take place last year. I wanted to make sure I did not miss on this opportunity. Aman (coach Amanpreet) mam trained me well for this tournament. Now I will have to work much harder in the youth category. I want to win many more medals for the country,” she said.
Alfiya thanked all those who helped her in her journey. I want to thank my parents. My father really worked very hard, spent a lot of time on me to see me reach this level. My formative days’ coach Ganesh Purohit, Aman madam, my personal trainer Guddu Thakur....all have worked really hard on me at Khelo India camp. I would like to thank all of them from the bottom of my heart.” said Alfiya.
Jay Kowli, President of Maharashtra Boxing Association, Sajjad Husain, Vice-President, Porus Kotwal, Secretary, The Nagpur District Boxing Association, selectors Captain Gopal Dewang, Captain Jayram, Dayashankar Tiwari, President, NCBA congratulated Alfiya.
First from Nagpur, second from Vid after Amravati’s Swapnil Dhopade, to earn GM title
By Paritosh Pramanik
RAUNAK Sadhwani was calmly sleeping in his hotel room in Isle of Man, near Manchester in United Kingdom, when his coronation as the new chess Grandmaster started making rounds in world chess circle.
At 5.30 am (UK time), Raunak’s mother Heena first got the news of her son being awarded the GM title. She was over the moon but at the same time did not want to disturb Raunak’s sleep.
“He (Raunak) is still unaware about the GM title...he is still sleeping and I don’t want to disturb him,” an elated Heena Sadhwani told ‘The Hitavada’ from UK.
Raunak, all of just 13 years achieved the required third GM norm after he played outstanding draws against world’s higher rated Grand Masters at the ongoing FIDE chess.com Grand Swiss 2019, thus becoming 9th youngest Grandmaster in the history of chess. Raunak, son of Bharat and Heena, is first from Nagpur and second from Vidarbha after Amravati’s Swapnil Dhopade, to claim the GM title, India’s 65th.
In Round One Raunak stunned Russian GM Sanan Sjugirov (elo 2662) to set the ball rolling. After that the Centre Point School, Katol Road, student played some favourable draws against big names in world chess. He split point with Russian GM Karjakin Sergey (elo 2760), Indian GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly (2658), Croatian GM Saric Ivan (2667), Ukrainian GM Eljanov Pavel (2663), Hungarian GM Peter Leko (2670), a two-time World Championship Candidate and Armenian GM Sargissian Gabriel (2690) to cross the live rating of 2500 points.
Raunak’s scintillating performance forced the world to sit up and take notice of his exquisite talent.
After the end of Round Eight, the 13-year-old has four points from one win and six draws and a loss. Raunak needed 3.5 rating points from nine rounds in the competition to claim the third norm and he achieved it with élan. As he has collected 3.5 rating points, Raunak now only needs to appear for the next one round to be officially crowned as Grandmaster, which is just a formality now.
Raunak, who got a wild card entry in this tournament as the best junior player from India, achieved his first GM norm at the Aeroflot Open 2019 followed by his second GM norm at the Porticcio Open 2019.
According to chessbase.in website, Raunak is known for his tactical acumen, but at the same time he has the ability to play extremely solid chess as he is showing at the Grand Swiss 2019.
Born on December 22, 2005, Raunak has achieved the feat of becoming a GM at the tender age of 13 years 9 months and 26 days.
Raunak’s phenomenal rise can be attributed to his training stint with former World Champion Vladmir Kramnik a couple of months ago. Along with seven others from India, Raunak was part of the Kramnik Microsense India Chess Program that was organised by ChessBase India. The coaching he received from the chess legend sharpened his game.
“A big thanks to World Champion GM Vladmir Kramnik sir, his teaching is simply superb who changed my game totally and made me psychologically strong as well. I also want to thank my coach GM Swapnil Dhopade for his strong belief in my playing strength,” Raunak said from UK.
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Raunak is playing like Anand: IM Deshmukh
n By Paritosh Pramanik
IT WAS way back in 2014 in Pune when Nagpur’s first chess International Master Anup Deshmukh had predicted that Raunak Sadhwani would become a Grandmaster. At that time, Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Kunte had laughed off at Deshmukh’s prediction.
Sadhwani, who was barely nine years old then, had spark in his game which had attracted Deshmukh’s candid view at that time.
Today, Deshmukh’s prediction came true when Sadhwani became India’s 65th Grandmaster at FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss 2019 in Isle of Man, in United Kingdom.
“It’s a very proud news not only for Nagpur but for entire India. Getting GM title at the age of 13 is not an easy thing. Sadhwani is playing like Viswanathan Anand at the moment. He is holding world title holders and grandmasters which is very creditable,” said Deshmukh while talking with ‘The Hitavada.’
Deshmukh, who has coached Sadhwani in his formative days, recalled when Raunak would come up with excellent games.
“He was a quick and sharp learner. Since he was 5-6 years old, I am analysing his game. At that time only I was aware that Sadhwani would get the GM title,” Deshmukh, who has played for India on several occasions, said.
“Raunak’s is a steady progress. The way he is playing at present is much bigger achievement than the GM title.
“Holding higher rated players is no mean thing. And remember, they all are world and European champions. He is playing in elite circle.
“They way Raunak is playing reminds me of Anand’s early days. He too used to hold top rated players. Raunak is also doing the same thing,” added Deshmukh.
“I am sure he would cross the 2600 (elo rating) mark within no time now. He is a very gritty player. Never likes losing. These qualities will take him to the top of chess world,” Deshmukh said.
Deshmukh feels that Raunak should now go for more wins, than draws.
“Raunak has to take himself out of fear of losing. He generally plays safe and goes for draws. But now that GM title is won, he should play a bit more attacking game,” felt Deshmukh.
“I am sure he will win much more accolades in years to come,” Deshmukh concluded.
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Happy with GM title, but want to become world champion: Raunak
n Principal Correspondent
CHESS wizard Raunak Sadhwani, who became the 65th Grandmaster of India, was elated by achieving his “short term goal” but wants to put the champagne on ice for a few more days until the tournament, FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss 2019, finishes. He said his ultimate dream is to become a world champion. “Of course I am very happy to achieve my short term goal of becoming a GM but, still, my tournament is not over yet. I want to focus on my remaining four rounds and then will celebrate.”
Sadhwani said he is happy to fulfill his parents dream but wants to continue winning every tournament and becoming a world champion.
“I am happy for fulfilling my parents’ dream of becoming a GM. But my ultimate goal is to break my own records everyday and become a world champion,” a release from Raunak’s mother Heena stated.
Sadhwani took the opportunity to thank his parents, coaches and well wishers who worked hard for his success.
“I want to thank my parents who worked tirelessly for me. I am very fortunate to have such parents in my life. I have no words for the sacrifices they made for me. I want to thank my sponsors Lakshya Sports and Sony Production for their financial support.
“I also want to thank my School (Centre Point School, Katol Road) for always supporting me in each and every situation,” Sadhwani said. His parents—Bharat and Heena—are over the moon. They are happy that Nagpur now has its own GM. “We are very happy on our son’s greatest achievement. Now, Nagpur has got its own GM. His hard work is paying off. Hope he will continue his form and achieve bigger heights as sky is the only limit. Playing consistently against strong opposition is not an easy job but he is giving his best and we are super proud of him,” Raunak’s mother Heena said.
By Paritosh Pramanik
SHE was a well-acclaimed women cricketer from Vidarbha. Cricket was her life and blood. After winning many an accolade on cricket field, 48-year-old Neeta Chaple nee Bhoyar, who is now settled in Mumbai, switched her sport to powerlifting only to win a district championship gold in Thane, recently.
Nagpur’s very own Neeta had represented Vidarbha in many national tournaments and also led Nagpur University women’s cricket team in 1992.
A hard-hitting batswoman and an agile wicketkeeper in her heydays, Neeta had slammed a quickfire 92, her best score till date, against Kurukshetra in Delhi.
A couple of months back, Neeta, who is presently a cricket coach at Arya Gurukul in Kalyan, was restless due to the off season. Non cricketing activities led to Neeta gaining a lot of weight. Thus she decided to take powerlifting and shed some kilos. Her work ethics and devotion forced her coach Suresh Kolekar to push Neeta to powerlifting.
Within two months, Neeta was on the dais, doing deadlift, squats and ultimately winning a gold medal.
“At first, I was reluctant. It was just two months that I had started picking up weights… and now this competition. But my coach insisted. His confidence in me paid as I won the gold,” said Neeta while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from Mumbai.
Neeta won the Thane District Powerlifting Championship gold, her maiden yellow metal, with a total lift of 185 kgs combined, in 84 kgs weight category last Saturday.
Neeta learned her cricket skills from Raju Kaore at Reshimbag ground. She used to play cricket whole day. If not cricket it was football or any other sport. Even a couple of weeks before her marriage Neeta was tonking the cherry all over the park in and around Nagpur.
After marriage, Neeta and her husband Nitin found new abode in Mumbai where he got a job as Civil Engineer in L&T. Their daughter Aishwarya, too, made her mark in the Mumbai age group teams.
But tragedy struck the Chaples when 17-year-old Aishwarya met with an accident in Mumbai in 2013 July and succumbed to her injuries. The unbearable loss broke down the family. To overcome the loss, Neeta started coaching academy to divert her mind from the tragedy.
“I am still unable to overcome the loss,” said Neeta with a choked voice.
“The void would never be filled. But we have to move on in life. I am a fighter and a sportsperson,” added Neeta.
Neeta, who did her schooling from Lokanchi Shala and graduated from Shrimati Binzani City Mahila Mahavidyalaya, started writing a book on cricket titled ‘Cricketcya Aishwarya’.
“I started writing a book on cricket in 2013. I wanted to give back to cricket and to those coaches who worked behind the scene like Kundatai Vijaykar, Mahendra Sir and many more. They have done a lot for women’s cricket. In this book I have written about the journey of women’s cricket in the country since 1974,” said Neeta, who dedicated the book to her late daughter.
The book was launched in 2017 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Winning her maiden gold during the “off-season” has made Neeta determined and she is now taking the sport seriously. She is now preparing for the State Championship which is going to be held next week in Kalyan.
“I have started (powerlifting) just two months back. There will be many more powerful and experienced players during the State selection meet. I know my chances of getting selected are bleak,” said Neeta, daughter of Adv Hari Bhoyar who stays near Sangam talkies in Mahal.
Not many had supported Neeta when she took powerlifting. But Neeta, who had never let fear take over her mind said, “Anyhow, if I would have to get injured I will get while even walking on the road on sitting on the couch. I am born to be on the field and will die on it,” she said.
“In my childhood my father supported me fully and now my husband is my pillar of strength. Whatever I am today is because of him only,” Neeta, the ICC Level-I Coach and India U-19 player, signed off.
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By Paritosh Pramanik
SHIV Chhatrapati award winner Triloki Nath Sidhra, who has been appointed as the Administrator of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) by the Deputy Charity Commissioner, has taken charge of the association.
Through a WhatsApp message, the former secretary of the association has asked all patrons, life members, clubs and institutions to “co-operate in promoting hockey in the region.”
Sidhra, who received the certified copy of order from the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, also informed that he will remain available in VHA office off Amravati Road from 2 to 5 pm daily for “any co-operation needed to promote the game. He expected everybody’s co-operation in lifting the game.”
After the imbroglio between executive committee members relating to the selection of Vidarbha teams forced Hockey India to suspend the VHA, Honourable Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court ordered warring parties to submit names of sportspersons with the Deputy Charity Commissioner’s Office who would appoint an administrator to run the game of hockey in the region, until the dispute is resolved.
Subsequently, both the parties, one led by AP Joshi and another by Vinod Gawai, submitted lists of their favoured candidates to the competent authority.
“Shri TN Sidhra, Nagpur is hereby appointed to administer the petitioner society (VHA), till the dispute between the members of the association is resolved,” the order, passed by Smt MS Rephade, Deputy Charity Commissioner, on August 3, 2019, read.
With his appointment, Sidhra will now have control in entire working of VHA.
From naming various sub-committees to appointing selectors, Sidhra will pick and choose the “right person for the right job.” All the official communication will be done by Sidhra or by person appointed by him.
Talking to The Hitavada Sidhra said he would like to work taking all parties into confidence.
“I am appointed as an administrator until the dispute is resolved. I would love to take all concerned parties together which will help in bringing VHA back
to its past glory. I will never be biased in my decision and will work only for the betterment of VHA,” Sidhra said.
On elections of the association which is due since last December, Sidhra said, “once all the disputes are over I would submit my report and ask the Deputy Charity Commissioner to hold VHA elections,” he assured.
By Paritosh Pramanik
TEN days before the hockey season starts in the region, Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) seems to be heading for another court battle which might affect hockey players, once again.
Vinod Gawai, who has been ousted by the eight executive committee members of VHA as secretary for his alleged dictatorial way of working, circulated a WhatsApp message in various sports groups on Monday stating that Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee TN Sidhra had been appointed as the Administrator of VHA by the Deputy Charity Commissioner.
The WhatsApp message, which Gawai addressed as a “Press Note” also requested all patrons and affiliated units to contact Sidhra regarding any matters related to VHA.
“It is hereby informed to all Hockey Fraternity of Vidarbha that Shri T. N. Sidhra, Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee, Ex Honorary Secretary of VHA & Senior Most Hockey Organiser of the City has been appointed as Administrator of Vidarbha Hockey Association by the Deputy Charity Commissioner, Nagpur vide order dated 03-08-2019 in the Misc. Application No.670/2109. I wish him all the best for bringing back the VHA on right track by resolving all the technical issues.
“All the Patrons, Life Members & Affiliated Units of VHA are henceforth requested to contact Shri T. N. Sidhra regarding all their matters.
Thanks & Rgards.
Vinod Gawai,
Outgoing Honorary Secretary, VHA, Nagpur.”
Gawai said he is yet to receive certified copy of the order.
Sidhra’s appointment as Administrator has not gone down well with the ruling AP Joshi panel who claimed it as contempt.
“This is contempt of court. Honourable High Court, in its order, had clearly stated that administrators whose names are forwarded to Deputy Charity Commissioner should be a third person and unconnected with any of the members of the management,” said Joshi who has been appointed as VHA president by the eight executive committee members after the body suspended BC Bhartia (president).
Bhartia was elected as VHA president in 2017.
“We will definitely move court and challenge the decision. We have had also submitted names of a few sports organisers and former players, as directed by the court,” said Joshi.
“None of our members has received any order from Deputy Charity Commissioner Office,” claimed Joshi.
The Joshi-led panel had submitted names of Atmaram Pandey, Dr Yashwant Patil, Subhash Chander, Parvez Qureshi and Mohd Anwar (Amravati) to the Deputy Charity Commissioner, it has been learnt.
Similarly, Abid Khan, C Gundewar, Blaize Joseph, Baba Rocque, Adv Wahane’s names were forwarded by Gawai group, sources said.
When contacted Sidhra said he also came to know about his appointment through Gawai’s message and added that he has applied for a certified copy.
“I have applied for a certified copy at Deputy Charity Commissioner’s Office which I will get in 3-4 days,” said Sidhra.
Last year the infighting between VHA executive committee members had denied over 100 hockey players a chance to represent Vidarbha in Hockey India’s national championships after the hockey governing body of the country suspended VHA until the dispute is resolved.
If the imbroglio continues, players will continue to suffer, it seems.
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Flies to Switzerland along with five other Indians for Kramnik-Microsense Chess Training Programme
By Paritosh Pramanik
CITY’S International Master Raunak Sadhwani will be sharpening his brain and will also be learning some ‘secret lessons’ from none other than
former world chess champion Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik when he attends the Kramnik-Microsense Chess Training Programme in Switzerland.
Kramnik will be imparting advanced coaching to six Indian chess players which includes four GMs and two IMs. Thirteen-year-old Sadhwani, a student of Centre Point School, Katol Road, was selected on the basis of his recent performance where he won several medals and earned plaudits from chess greats.
The training programme, which is organised by Microsense, a Chennai-based company, will be held from August 14 to 25.
Continuing his rich form, Sadhwani finished a creditable sixth in the HOC-Al Sayyah II International Blitz Championship held at Shatha Tower, Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday and won a cash prize of 2000 Dirhams.
Sadhwani, who has earned two GM norms, was over the moon when he received an invitation from none other than former world chess champion GM Kramnik for enhanced training at Switzerland.
“It’s unbelievable. Getting trained by a legend like Kramnik is something once in a lifetime thing,” said Sadhwani who flew for Switzerland from Mumbai on Tuesday midnight.
According to a report in IANS, it was Kramnik’s idea to train budding Indian players and share his knowledge.
“I am now retired from chess and not playing competitively anymore, but it means a lot to me if I can share my knowledge with the most promising juniors who can achieve something big in the future,” the former world champion had told IANS.
During the first session, Kramnik would try to get to know the players personally and answer the questions that they have on their minds.
Sadhwani has prepared a list of questions he would be asking the legend. “Kramnik is a real master in opening preparation. I will ask him how to create new ideas, how to choose openings according to opponents, time management, etc,” said Sadhwani.
During the programme, Kramnik will be training the players in opening, middle and end game.
“We will be touching upon all the aspects of the game including opening, middlegame and the endgame. I am preparing very seriously for the camp. I will give my insights on how I prepare psychologically and professionally for chess tournaments and I would share with them my views on many issues of professional chess,” IANS quoted Kramnik as saying.
During the training, Kramnik will also be sharing game secrets which only top players are aware of because of their experience of playing chess at the highest level apart from delivering game specific lectures.
“I will also prepare some specific lectures for the camp and allow the kids to play with each other and then later analyse these games in detail,” Kramnik added.
Kramnik will first go through the games of participants in detail so that the camp turns out to be effective.
Raunak’s mother Hina, too, was elated for his son’s selection. “His hardwork is paying off. Raunak has really worked hard to reach this far. Getting coaching from Kramnik in itself is a great honour. I am sure he will return from Switzerland more sharper. The nine-day training will definitely take his game to the next level,” said Hina.
The other five players include GMs D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, P Iniyan, Arjun Erigasi and International Master Leon Mendonca.
By Paritosh Pramanik
YOUNG Muslim Football Club (YMFC) released eight players but brought in 11, mostly from Nagpur Academy Football Club (NAFC), for the new season of JSW Elite Division Tournament of Nagpur District Football Association.
Similarly, Qidwai Sports, too, decided to go on a shopping spree as they also managed to get their hands on 11 players from various clubs.
Defending champions YMFC, despite losing eight of their best players which included striker Blesjon Saji, Sakeeb Anwar, Mohd Gulab Imran and Mohd Afzal Akhtar, to name a few, added more firepower bringing in players from NAFC.
After the closer of transfer window, NAFC was the biggest loser as they had to do away with 11 of their best in the business to various clubs of the top most division. Qidwai Club also tried to bolster their side for the coming season by signing 11 players from various clubs which included Big Ben Football Club, NAFC, Eagle FC, Green Flag FC an Nagpur Blues.
Rahul Sanskrutyayan Club managed to bag the services of YMFC’s Saji and promoted two players from their feeder team Rahul Brothers Sports Club in Arickswamy Anthony and Badal Soren.
Soren, a student of Hislop College, was selected for the selection trials for the 47th Asian School Football Championship.
“Soren is a very talented player. He has just returned to the city after appearing for the second trial at Bhopal. We have a very balance side and with Saji coming in, the forward line would get more teeth,” said Rahul Sanskrutyayan’s manager Stanley Gregory.
Big Ben FC too tried to strengthen their side with signing of Mohd Faizan and Gifson Saji from Nagpur City Football Club, Chirag Naidu from Sadar FC and Arjun Roka from YMFC. Rabbani Club, Kamptee, in an attempt to wipe out their title drought, brought in seven players, which included five from YMFC.
WIFA AGM, election in city on Aug 23 n Iqbal Kashmiri to be new executive committee member of State body
n By Paritosh Pramanik
PRESIDENT of All India Football Federation (AIFF) Praful Patel will remain the chief of Western India Football Association (WIFA) for another term of four years when the new body is declared on August 23 at Nagpur.
Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) President Haresh Vora will continue to be one of the five vice-presidents of the State body whereas Souter Vaz of Mumbai will continue as secretary. This will be Vora’s second successive term.
According to sources, the Annual General Meeting and elections of WIFA are slated to be held in Nagpur.
The election process has already begun. The last date of nomination was August 12 while the last date for withdrawal is August 14.
“The body will be elected unanimously barring election for only one post of the executive committee member,” said one of the sources privy to the development.
With no opposition for most of the top posts, all the ‘stalwarts’ will continue to hold their seats.
There are two new faces in the vice-presidents posts with JSW Managing Director Parth Jindal and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thakeray’s son Aditya Thakeray, walking into the governing body.
Jindal is President of Palghar District Football Association while Thakeray is President of Mumbai District Football Association.
“Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary of Nagpur District Football Association, will be making his maiden entry into State body as an executive committee member,” informed the source.
Praful Patel was elected as the Asian Football Confederation’s vice-president (SAFF region) during the AFC Congress held in Bahrain in 2015.
Patel became member of FIFA Finance Committee for a term of four years in 2017.
According to source, Dhule representative Raees Qazi decided to contest for a post of executive committee member. But his chances of winning looks bleak with too little support from other members.
“Till now 14 nomination forms have been submitted for 13 posts of executive committee. If there is no withdrawal on August 14, election will be held in this category only,” informed the source.
There are very few changes from the previous body and most of the members have retained their posts. NDFA vice-president and Nagpur MLA Sameer Meghe, who was WIFA vice-president, has decided to step down as he was unable to devote time to WIFA. The association has put faith in three incumbent assistant secretaries and decided to continue with them for another term of four years. Sushil Surve (Amravati), Salim Parkote (Latur) and Kiran Chougule (Solapur) will be the three assistant secretaries. Similarly, Pyarelal Choudhary of Pune will retain the post of treasurer.
THE NEW WIFA BODY
President: Praful Patel (Gondia)
Vice-Presidents: Haresh Vora (Nagpur), Vishwajeet Kadam (Pune), Maloji Raje (Kolhapur), Parth Jindal (Palghar), Aditya Thakarey (Mumbai).
Secretary: Souter Vaz (Mumbai)
Treasurer: Pyarelal Choudhary (Pune)
Assistant Secretaries: Sushil Surve (Amravati), Salim Parkote (Latur), Kiran
Chougule (Solapur)
Likely Executive Committee: Ahmed Lalani (Bhandara), Ravindra Darekar (Gadchiroli), Deepak Dixit (Chandrapur), Iqbal Kashmiri (Nagpur), Abdul Rauf (Amravati), PV Ahale (Yavatmal), Yogesh Pardeshi (Nandurbar), Sajid Ansari (Nanded), Asghar Patel (Hingoli), Manik Mandlik (Kolhapur), Godwin Dick (Ahmednagar), Suleman Jaggu (Sangli), Anand Kalorkar (Wardha).
(Election will be held for 13 posts of Executive Committee if there is no withdrawal by August 14)
Mrudul, Raunak, Sankalp also in Indian contingent
By Paritosh Pramanik
WOMAN International Master Divya Deshmukh has been seeded second in the 26th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival which is going to be held at Abu Dhabi from August 2-10.
The championship will be held in three categories—Open, Masters and Juniors.
As per seedings on chess-result.com website, Divya got the second seed in the juniors category in which 50 Indians are also taking part.
Divya will also be playing in the Masters category along with Woman Candidate Master Mrudul Dehankar, who has leaped to 2190 elo rating points, International Master Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta. They all will aim to gain experience of playing against hosts of Grandmasters.
Over 600 players from 60 countries will be taking part in this prestigious tournament in which 155 will be from India.
All the three categories will be of nine rounds. Matches in Open and Masters categories will begin from August 2 while the Juniors category will start two days later (Aug 4).
Divya will be high on confidence after she created history by winning hat-trick of titles in Under-15 Nationals recently at Chennai. She continued her rich form and within 10 days of that title finished third in the Women’s National Championship at Madurai.
Mrudul, too, will be brimming with confidence going into the competition as she has recently cleared all three WIM norms and needs to play just four players from other federations to be coronated with Woman International Master title.
She would be hoping to play as many foreign players as she can in the competition.
“I am eagerly waiting for the competition. The recent performance has given me a lot of confidence,” Mrudul told ‘The Hitavada’.
Playing against Grandmasters won’t put Mrudul under any pressure as she had locked horns against them earlier also.
“Last time (2017) I played in the same category (Masters) so there won’t be any added pressure. I will take it match by match and hope I play against players from other countries more so that I get the WIM title,” said Mrudul.
Divya, after continuously playing for last six months, took two days break from chess and attended her school, Bhavan’s BPVM, Civil Lines.
The ‘break’ would help Divya in the Abu Dhabi competition, felt her mother Dr Namrata Deshmukh.
“She is playing continuously for the last six months. She is really tired at present. She got two days’ break after returning from Madurai. But she had to attend her school. I think this little break would help her get fresh for Abu Dhabi meet,” said Dr Namrata.
Raunak, who is playing in Europe for past couple of months is presently participating in a tournament in Switzerland. He will directly reach Abu Dhabi from there to take part in the prestigious competition.
Divya, Mrudul and Sankalp will leave for Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
City Police, who were relegated last season, will fill up the 10th spot in Elite Division
By Paritosh Pramanik
THERE is some bad news for ardent football lovers of the city. Last year’s runners-up Guards Regiment Centre (GRC) won’t be seen in action in the Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) organised JSW Elite Division League this season.
The military outfit has decided not to participate this season.
According to sources, GRC higher authorities have refused to release its players for the premier competition of the city. Last year, GRC had finished second best behind champions Young Muslim Football Club (YMFC) and were rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 75,000.
With GRC not participating, Nagpur City Police, who were relegated to Super Division last season, will continue to be part of the Elite Division this season too. City Police had a bad 2018-19 where they lost two matches and drew one in the Relegation Final.
“We were informed by GRC that they won’t be participating in this year’s competition. They said that the players were not released by higher authorities,” Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary, NDFA told ‘The Hitavada’.
“If GRC wants to participate next year they will have to compete in the lower division (Super Division),” added Kashmiri.
GRC had qualified for Elite Division in 2014-15 after they won the Super Division title.
Since last three years, GRC were part of the league and had performed exceedingly well making their way to the top of the table.
The last date of clubs registration was August 20.
GRC football coach Lama’s cell phone was unreachable.
This year Elite Division will see Nagpur Blues as the new entrant. Nagpur Blues were promoted after they emerged
Super Division champs in 2018.
Other teams of Elite Division are defending champions Young Muslim Football Club, former champions Rabbani Club, Kamptee, Qidwai Club, South East Central Railways, Ansar Club, Nagpur Academy Football Club, Big Ben Football Club, Rahul SSA, and City Police.
