Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Rising Star
SUMIT AGNIHOTRI had been trying to get into the Chandigarh district team for the last two years. He couldn't. This time he switched over to Mohali, and more than made up for the disappointment of not getting a look-in earlier. The young off spinner was not only picked, but he also returned with an impressive haul of 20 wickets from four matches to emerge the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
His superb showing has also won him a berth in the u-17 squad as well.
"I wasn't disappointed when I was not selected for Chandigarh. In fact it motivated me to work harder and I am hap py that I performed to the best of my abilities," said Sumeet.
"I am bowling a lot in the nets and try ing to add some variations to my bowling," said Sumit. "He is a genuine all rounder. He bats quite well and is a good fielder as well," said his coach Nagesh at St John's Cricket Academy, where he is learning his lessons in the game.
The only area of concern for this young off spinner is his penchant for experimentation. "He tends to experiment a lot and gives away some free runs to the batsmen. But he would learn with time," said his coach.
He idolises Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq and Austrian all-rounder Michael Clark and hope to represent the country in times to come.
His superb showing has also won him a berth in the u-17 squad as well.
"I wasn't disappointed when I was not selected for Chandigarh. In fact it motivated me to work harder and I am hap py that I performed to the best of my abilities," said Sumeet.
"I am bowling a lot in the nets and try ing to add some variations to my bowling," said Sumit. "He is a genuine all rounder. He bats quite well and is a good fielder as well," said his coach Nagesh at St John's Cricket Academy, where he is learning his lessons in the game.
The only area of concern for this young off spinner is his penchant for experimentation. "He tends to experiment a lot and gives away some free runs to the batsmen. But he would learn with time," said his coach.
He idolises Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq and Austrian all-rounder Michael Clark and hope to represent the country in times to come.
Deepak looking forward to bloom in Boom
DEEPAK THAKUR had been the main cog in the Indian forward line not too long back. Somehow the mercurial forward lost his way somewhere and soon found himself out of the team. And once your are out, there is only one way to get a recall -perform in the domestic circuit. That's what this opportunistic striker did and the recognition of his hard work has come in the form of a place amongst the probables for the national squad for the upcoming six-nation tournament in Boom (Belgium).
Though delighted, Thakur isn't taking his place in the squad for granted. He adopts a rather realistic line when he says it would be quite tough to win back his place as the current team, which brought bronze medal from the Azlan Shah, was playing really well.
But he is not deterred by the tough challenge he would face from his peers; he is rather taking it as an inspiration.
"I will have to give it my best shot if I have to get back into the side. But I have worked really hard on my game since I was out and I think I will be up to the task," he said.
Talking about his skills, he said it's of ut most importance for any striker to score goals. " I have worked on my conversion skills and it has reflected in my domestic performance," he said.
Thakur last played for India in Commonwealth Games in March 2006. "We did not perform well as a team and my personal performance too wasn't up to the mark. So I lost my place in the side," he said.
But ever since he lost his place in the squad, he has been performing quite well in the domestic circuit. His team Indian Oil Corporation reached the finals of eight tournaments and won seven of them. What could have delayed his comeback is a couple of injuries he suffered last year.
But now he feels he is ready to hit back the field with a vengeance and lead the Indian forward line once again.
Though delighted, Thakur isn't taking his place in the squad for granted. He adopts a rather realistic line when he says it would be quite tough to win back his place as the current team, which brought bronze medal from the Azlan Shah, was playing really well.
But he is not deterred by the tough challenge he would face from his peers; he is rather taking it as an inspiration.
"I will have to give it my best shot if I have to get back into the side. But I have worked really hard on my game since I was out and I think I will be up to the task," he said.
Talking about his skills, he said it's of ut most importance for any striker to score goals. " I have worked on my conversion skills and it has reflected in my domestic performance," he said.
Thakur last played for India in Commonwealth Games in March 2006. "We did not perform well as a team and my personal performance too wasn't up to the mark. So I lost my place in the side," he said.
But ever since he lost his place in the squad, he has been performing quite well in the domestic circuit. His team Indian Oil Corporation reached the finals of eight tournaments and won seven of them. What could have delayed his comeback is a couple of injuries he suffered last year.
But now he feels he is ready to hit back the field with a vengeance and lead the Indian forward line once again.
Bhavan student skates to glory
11-year-old wins gold, bronze in Kolkata championship
AN 11-YEAR-OLD Bhavan Vidyalaya student has won gold and bronze medals at the 44th National Roller Skating Championship at Kolkata. Hardeep Singh Dhull's performance also fetched him a national champion award in his age group. He won gold in road race event and bronze in rink one event.
Hardeep took to skating at the age of four. "Skating was more of fun for me in the beginning. I started taking it seriously when I won a couple of medals in school," says Hardeep.
At the CBSE National Roller Skating meet in Chandigarh last year, Hardeep won gold in a road race and bronze in rink one event. He continued his superb run, striking gold and bronze in the North Zone Roller Skating Championship at Rohtak.
Hardeep owes his success to his mother, school management and his coach.
"My coach Jaswinder Singh has helped me a lot," says Hardeep. Singh feels Hardeep has the potential to achieve more success.
"He will get better with time. He has dominated the road race events he has participated in. His hard work has started to show results. But he will have to work harder if he has to stay at the top," says Jaswinder Singh.
Hardeep's mother Satyabala, a former national athletic champion, says: "He is always thinking of how to improve his performance. His discipline helps him in the rink. He has also been able to strike a balance be tween studies and sports."
Hardeep took up skating as a hobby but now it's his passion. "My aim is to play for the country in international tournaments," says Hardeep.
as a hobby but now it's his passion. "My aim is to play for the country in international tournaments," says Hardeep.
AN 11-YEAR-OLD Bhavan Vidyalaya student has won gold and bronze medals at the 44th National Roller Skating Championship at Kolkata. Hardeep Singh Dhull's performance also fetched him a national champion award in his age group. He won gold in road race event and bronze in rink one event.
Hardeep took to skating at the age of four. "Skating was more of fun for me in the beginning. I started taking it seriously when I won a couple of medals in school," says Hardeep.
At the CBSE National Roller Skating meet in Chandigarh last year, Hardeep won gold in a road race and bronze in rink one event. He continued his superb run, striking gold and bronze in the North Zone Roller Skating Championship at Rohtak.
Hardeep owes his success to his mother, school management and his coach.
"My coach Jaswinder Singh has helped me a lot," says Hardeep. Singh feels Hardeep has the potential to achieve more success.
"He will get better with time. He has dominated the road race events he has participated in. His hard work has started to show results. But he will have to work harder if he has to stay at the top," says Jaswinder Singh.
Hardeep's mother Satyabala, a former national athletic champion, says: "He is always thinking of how to improve his performance. His discipline helps him in the rink. He has also been able to strike a balance be tween studies and sports."
Hardeep took up skating as a hobby but now it's his passion. "My aim is to play for the country in international tournaments," says Hardeep.
as a hobby but now it's his passion. "My aim is to play for the country in international tournaments," says Hardeep.
Lake Club starts archery centre
APART FROM games like tennis, squash, rowing and swimming, the Lake Club is also providing lessons in archery to the youngsters. The club has started an archery coaching centre the only one in the city with a view to promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Around 25 children in 813 age group are taking their first lessons in the ancient sport. All of them have been picked up from different schools in the city. All children, who come to this centre, are residents of the surrounding areas of the Lake. They all are provided with free coaching and equipments.
"There is no dearth of talent… all we need is to exploit it. We regularly send our representatives to different schools in the city for talent hunting and developing interest among children. So far we have been able to attract 25 children," said Lake Club Gen eral Manager Reet Mohinder Singh. "The schools are however not cooperating. I have contacted many school principals over phone, but in vain," he said.
"We are aiming to increase the number of children to 200. Once we get this number, we will start an archery academy," he said.
At present the young archers have to content with Indian made wooden bows and arrows. The authorities are in process of importing equipment from abroad.
"We are trying to import fibre arrows and good bows from abroad. We have requested Archery Federation of India to import good equipment and supply it to this centre as they are exempted from custom duty, but they haven't helped us so far," said the GM.
The archers in the centre are being trained by Gurpal Singh, who himself is a former national medallist.
"There is no dearth of talent… all we need is to exploit it. We regularly send our representatives to different schools in the city for talent hunting and developing interest among children. So far we have been able to attract 25 children," said Lake Club Gen eral Manager Reet Mohinder Singh. "The schools are however not cooperating. I have contacted many school principals over phone, but in vain," he said.
"We are aiming to increase the number of children to 200. Once we get this number, we will start an archery academy," he said.
At present the young archers have to content with Indian made wooden bows and arrows. The authorities are in process of importing equipment from abroad.
"We are trying to import fibre arrows and good bows from abroad. We have requested Archery Federation of India to import good equipment and supply it to this centre as they are exempted from custom duty, but they haven't helped us so far," said the GM.
The archers in the centre are being trained by Gurpal Singh, who himself is a former national medallist.
I wasn't under any pressure…
I just played my natural game and that worked fine for me as well as the team — Rajpal Singh
RAJPAL SINGH, the citybased hockey player, played a crucial role in helping India make a podium finish in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament and break what was becoming a too long string of painful defeats. His performance becomes all the more praiseworthy as he wasn't even in the scheme of things for the tournament at the outset. He wasn't shortlisted for the camp initially and was drafted in later, allegedly at the insistence of the new coach.
So did that provoke him to prove a point or put him under some pressure? "I wasn't under any pressure… I just played my natural game and that worked fine for me as well as my team," he said.
The fleet footed forward is one of the few players who has escaped the chop and change policy of the IHF after every tournament and is now a veteran of 85 matches.
He has played with the combination of Gagan Ajit Singh, Deepak Thakur and Prabhjot Singh and looked equally as ease with that of youngsters like Shivender Singh, Gurbaaz and Roshan Minz in the Azlan Shah Tournament.
"I have played with most of the players in domestic circuit and we know each other's game pretty well. But it was still a wonderful experience to play for the country with them," he said. When asked to spell the reason behind the team's reasonable success, he didn't think twice before putting a finger on team spirit. "Success comes more easily when team plays as a unit and individuals play for team rather than for themselves. An individual may perform bril liantly but it wouldn't , count for much if the team fails. So one is successful only when the team succeeds," he said.
As for his personal goals, the gifted forward is determined to work harder on his strength and endurance so that he can make the most of his skills. "I am working really hard on improving my strength and endurance. You have to be very strong if you want to play hockey at the top," he said.
"I have been in the squad for sometime now and just want to carry on with that for as long as possible," he said.
So did that provoke him to prove a point or put him under some pressure? "I wasn't under any pressure… I just played my natural game and that worked fine for me as well as my team," he said.
The fleet footed forward is one of the few players who has escaped the chop and change policy of the IHF after every tournament and is now a veteran of 85 matches.
He has played with the combination of Gagan Ajit Singh, Deepak Thakur and Prabhjot Singh and looked equally as ease with that of youngsters like Shivender Singh, Gurbaaz and Roshan Minz in the Azlan Shah Tournament.
"I have played with most of the players in domestic circuit and we know each other's game pretty well. But it was still a wonderful experience to play for the country with them," he said. When asked to spell the reason behind the team's reasonable success, he didn't think twice before putting a finger on team spirit. "Success comes more easily when team plays as a unit and individuals play for team rather than for themselves. An individual may perform bril liantly but it wouldn't , count for much if the team fails. So one is successful only when the team succeeds," he said.
As for his personal goals, the gifted forward is determined to work harder on his strength and endurance so that he can make the most of his skills. "I am working really hard on improving my strength and endurance. You have to be very strong if you want to play hockey at the top," he said.
"I have been in the squad for sometime now and just want to carry on with that for as long as possible," he said.
Sports in govt schools in a mess: UT report
Out of 70 schools inspected, only two met standards
IT'S OFFICIAL now. The sports infrastructure in government schools in the city is in a shambles. UT Assistant Director, Sports (Education), K.S. Bharti, who has prepared a report on sports infrastructure and its maintenance in the schools, has submitted that the infrastructure is in a complete mess in a majority of the schools. DPI (Schools) S.K. Setia had appointed Bharti to inspect all government schools under the UT administration for the upkeep of sports infrastructure after Hindustan Times highlighted how the set-up was gathering dust.
According to the findings of the report submitted today, out of 70 schools inspected, only two--Government Model Senior Secondary School-35 and Government Model Senior Secondary School-37--met the desired standards.
The report said the infrastructure available with a majority of the government schools was not at all maintained. In some schools, grounds are being used for dumping construction and waste material. Some schools don't even have PTIs/DPEs, while in others DPEs are entrusted with responsibilities other than sports.
Schools like Government Model Senior Secondary School-10 and Government Senior Secondary School, Dhanas, are using the ground for dumping waste material.
Referring to the sports stock, the report says: "In most of the schools, sports equipment are not being utilised and are dumped in stores." It also states that some schools have equipment for those games for which they don't have the infrastructure. Other schools have equipment for hockey and gymnastics, although they don't have the infrastructure for these games.
"I have gone through the report and its findings are not at all pleasing. Official letters will be issued to all the school principals, who will be instructed to start making efforts at the earliest for the maintenance of sports infrastructure. We are ready to help them in every respect," said DPI (Schools) S.K Setia.
To a question whether action will be taken against those schools which do not comply with the instructions, the DPI said strict action would be taken against all those who fail to do so. "Moreover, we have already instructed the government schools to bring their playgrounds back in shape and make them available for the students during vacations," said Setia.
"I personally visited each and every school. There is no sports environment in almost all government schools, and the high schools are even worse. In my report I have listed out my findings and suggestions. Schools have funds at their disposal, yet they never utilise them, which is hard to understand," said Assistant Director, Sports (Education), K.S Bharti.
"We will inspect all the schools again after the summer vacation to check whether there has been any positive development or not," he added.
Official recommendations ¦ All schools should take help of Horticulture Depart ment for maintenance of their grounds. ¦ Principals should be allowed to spend up to Rs 15,000 for purchase of sports equipment. ¦ To encourage principals to maintain sports infra structure, a cash award should be given to the best maintained ground.
IT'S OFFICIAL now. The sports infrastructure in government schools in the city is in a shambles. UT Assistant Director, Sports (Education), K.S. Bharti, who has prepared a report on sports infrastructure and its maintenance in the schools, has submitted that the infrastructure is in a complete mess in a majority of the schools. DPI (Schools) S.K. Setia had appointed Bharti to inspect all government schools under the UT administration for the upkeep of sports infrastructure after Hindustan Times highlighted how the set-up was gathering dust.
According to the findings of the report submitted today, out of 70 schools inspected, only two--Government Model Senior Secondary School-35 and Government Model Senior Secondary School-37--met the desired standards.
The report said the infrastructure available with a majority of the government schools was not at all maintained. In some schools, grounds are being used for dumping construction and waste material. Some schools don't even have PTIs/DPEs, while in others DPEs are entrusted with responsibilities other than sports.
Schools like Government Model Senior Secondary School-10 and Government Senior Secondary School, Dhanas, are using the ground for dumping waste material.
Referring to the sports stock, the report says: "In most of the schools, sports equipment are not being utilised and are dumped in stores." It also states that some schools have equipment for those games for which they don't have the infrastructure. Other schools have equipment for hockey and gymnastics, although they don't have the infrastructure for these games.
"I have gone through the report and its findings are not at all pleasing. Official letters will be issued to all the school principals, who will be instructed to start making efforts at the earliest for the maintenance of sports infrastructure. We are ready to help them in every respect," said DPI (Schools) S.K Setia.
To a question whether action will be taken against those schools which do not comply with the instructions, the DPI said strict action would be taken against all those who fail to do so. "Moreover, we have already instructed the government schools to bring their playgrounds back in shape and make them available for the students during vacations," said Setia.
"I personally visited each and every school. There is no sports environment in almost all government schools, and the high schools are even worse. In my report I have listed out my findings and suggestions. Schools have funds at their disposal, yet they never utilise them, which is hard to understand," said Assistant Director, Sports (Education), K.S Bharti.
"We will inspect all the schools again after the summer vacation to check whether there has been any positive development or not," he added.
Official recommendations ¦ All schools should take help of Horticulture Depart ment for maintenance of their grounds. ¦ Principals should be allowed to spend up to Rs 15,000 for purchase of sports equipment. ¦ To encourage principals to maintain sports infra structure, a cash award should be given to the best maintained ground.
Sports facilities to affect ACRs
THE CONDITION of sports infrastructure in government schools will, from now on, have a bearing on the annual confidential reports (ACRs) of the principal, physical training instructors (PTIs) and DPEs of the schools concerned. The instructions were issued by DPI (Schools) S.K. Setia soon after Chandigarh Live carried a report yesterday on how the huge sports infrastructure was gathering dust in schools for want of proper maintenance.
Besides, the DPI has appointed K.S. Bharti, Assistant Director, Sports (Education), to inspect all government schools under the UT administration for the upkeep of infrastructure and prepare a report.
All schools will be inspected for their sports grounds, facilities, equipments, sports staff (PTI, DPE and Physical Education lecturers). The report submitted will reflect on the ACRs of the principal, PTI and DPE of schools concerned.
"There are around 100 schools and we’ll inspect all. I will take action on the basis of the report I get. I will personally keep track of the developments," said Setia, adding that inspection would be a regular exercise and it would certainly bring about a positive change.
"It's a time consuming exercise as there are many schools. But I will try to submit my report and suggestions for the improvement of sports within a month," said Bharti.
Besides, the DPI has appointed K.S. Bharti, Assistant Director, Sports (Education), to inspect all government schools under the UT administration for the upkeep of infrastructure and prepare a report.
All schools will be inspected for their sports grounds, facilities, equipments, sports staff (PTI, DPE and Physical Education lecturers). The report submitted will reflect on the ACRs of the principal, PTI and DPE of schools concerned.
"There are around 100 schools and we’ll inspect all. I will take action on the basis of the report I get. I will personally keep track of the developments," said Setia, adding that inspection would be a regular exercise and it would certainly bring about a positive change.
"It's a time consuming exercise as there are many schools. But I will try to submit my report and suggestions for the improvement of sports within a month," said Bharti.
UNSPORTING SCHOOLS
The huge infrastructure available with majority of government schools is lying in a shambles, thanks to indifferent approach of school authorities. ALL SCHOOLS claim sports is an integral part of their curriculum. But the claim holds little water, especially in government schools. All it takes is a small stroll to the playfields of these schools to find out how fake these assertions are. The huge infrastructure, which majority of the government schools in the city possesses, is in a shambles as the school authorities have apparently not cared for its maintenance. Weeds and wild growth have covered the huge open areas and football fields, the volleyball nets are reduced to shreds and boards and rings are missing altogether from the basketball courts.
And the most common explanation for the unkempt infrastructure is that the session has just started and it would be soon in proper shape. "We are busy with admissions right now but we will soon carry out a maintenance drive for sports infrastructure," said Government Model School-38 principal Parkash Kaur.
The students however disagree. "The infrastructure has never been taken care of; it's in fact getting worse ever year," said a student of the school.
Government Model School-46 principal H.K. Bhatia also offered the same explanation. "We have no shortage of funds, but for carrying out any maintenance work above Rs 5,000 we have to take permission from DPI. We carry out maintenance drives whenever it's required or our sports teachers recommend it," said S.K Sharma, principal Government Model School-23.
Sports teachers of different schools however feel that school heads don't take enough interest in promoting sports and that's the reason why infrastructure was lying waste in most of the schools.
"Sports is better in private schools because the school heads take keen interest. But there is hardly any coordination between principal and sports faculty in government schools, said a sports teacher of a government school.
"I am aware of the declining sports standards in schools. It is a result of the lax approach of school authorities towards promotion of sports," said DPI (Schools) S.K Setia, adding that he would see into the matter
And the most common explanation for the unkempt infrastructure is that the session has just started and it would be soon in proper shape. "We are busy with admissions right now but we will soon carry out a maintenance drive for sports infrastructure," said Government Model School-38 principal Parkash Kaur.
The students however disagree. "The infrastructure has never been taken care of; it's in fact getting worse ever year," said a student of the school.
Government Model School-46 principal H.K. Bhatia also offered the same explanation. "We have no shortage of funds, but for carrying out any maintenance work above Rs 5,000 we have to take permission from DPI. We carry out maintenance drives whenever it's required or our sports teachers recommend it," said S.K Sharma, principal Government Model School-23.
Sports teachers of different schools however feel that school heads don't take enough interest in promoting sports and that's the reason why infrastructure was lying waste in most of the schools.
"Sports is better in private schools because the school heads take keen interest. But there is hardly any coordination between principal and sports faculty in government schools, said a sports teacher of a government school.
"I am aware of the declining sports standards in schools. It is a result of the lax approach of school authorities towards promotion of sports," said DPI (Schools) S.K Setia, adding that he would see into the matter
Six-a-side hockey scores a winner
Everyone concerned feels that the shorter format is the need of the hour to save and sustain the longer version by Vinod Kumar
ANY CHANGE in the established format of a sport normally draws a mixed reaction from the people concerned. While some would see it as a welcome change, the others would scoff at it. But six-a-side hockey, the truncated format, seems to have extracted a unanimous approval from all quarters. Calling it the need of the hour, many even went to the extent of saying that six-aside was the way to go if hockey is to be revived.
Former India skipper and Olympian Pargat Singh is a staunch supporter of the new format. "Changes brought about as per the need and time are always good. The format had to be brought about as we neither have enough grounds nor players for the original format," he said, adding, "most of the schools do not have enough players to prepare a team. So this format would certainly help the game revive at school level," he said.
Dwelling on how they were planning to give it a further boost, he said they organised six-a- side tournament for girls in Jalandhar last year and following its success, they would hold all tournaments in junior and sub-junior section under this format. "The normal format would be used only in senior section," he said.
"It's very common in European countries and is now picking up in India as well. As it requires small area, we should set up astroturfs in all hockey pockets," said Col Harcharan Singh, former Olympian and member of 1975 World Cup winning team.
He added that the format demands great skills and fitness and the ones excelling here would find the goings quite easy in the normal format which provides much more breathing space.
"It provides huge opportunity to the players to improve their skills. Players have to manoeuvre the ball in much less space with great speed, which helps them in longer version of the game," said Indian forward Rajpal Singh.
The admirers of this format feel that it could even bring in elusive sponsors into hockey. "It provides much more thrill and action and is therefore a delight for the spectators. And with spectators showing interest, the sponsors too would have an incentive to enter this arena," said one of the hockey players.
But others aren't too enthusiastic about its commer cial potential unless it is telecast on television. "Although the spectators' interest and the smaller area, which would give the banners and logos better visibility, should attract sponsors, but a major thrust could come only once it's telecast.
If we can market this version of game, it has got great a commercial potential," said former Olympian Sukhbir Gill, also the organiser of just concluded 5th Olympian Dharam Singh Memorial Six a Side Hockey Tournament.
Goals it can score ? Will help the game revive at school level ? Will improve the skills and speed of the players ? Can rope in sponsors if telecast
ANY CHANGE in the estab- lished format of a sport nor- mally draws a mixed reac- tion from the people con- cerned. While some would see it as a welcome change, the others would scoff at it. But six-a-side hockey, the truncated format, seems to have extracted a unanimous approval from all quarters. Calling it the need of the hour, many even went to the extent of saying that six-a- side was the way to go if hockey is to be revived. Former India skipper and Olympian Pargat Singh is a staunch supporter of the new format. "Changes brought about as per the need and time are always good. The format had to be brought about as we neither have enough grounds nor players for the original for- mat," he said, adding, "most of the schools do not have enough players to prepare a team. So this format would certainly help the game re- vive at school level," he said. Dwelling on how they were planning to give it a fur- ther boost, he said they or- ganised six-a- side tourna- ment for girls in Jalandhar last year and following its success, they would hold all tournaments in junior and sub-junior section under this format. "The normal format would be used only in senior section," he said. "It's very common in Euro- pean countries and is now picking up in India as well. As it requires small area, we should set up astroturfs in all hockey pockets," said Col Harcharan Singh, former Olympian and member of 1975 World Cup winning team. He added that the format demands great skills and fit- ness and the ones excelling here would find the goings quite easy in the normal for- mat which provides much more breathing space. "It provides huge opportu- nity to the players to improve their skills. Players have to manoeuvre the ball in much less space with great speed, which helps them in longer version of the game," said In- dian forward Rajpal Singh. The admirers of this for- mat feel that it could even bring in elusive sponsors into hockey. "It provides much more thrill and action and is therefore a delight for the spectators. And with spectators showing interest, the sponsors too would have an incentive to enter this arena," said one of the hock- ey players. But others aren't too en- thusiastic about its commer- cial potential unless it is tele- cast on television. "Although the spectators' interest and the smaller area, which would give the banners and logos better visibility, should attract sponsors, but a major thrust could come only once it's telecast. If we can market this ver- sion of game, it has got great a commercial potential," said former Olympian Sukhbir Gill, also the organ- iser of just concluded 5th Olympian Dharam Singh Memorial Six a Side Hockey Tournament. Goals it can score ? Will help the game revive at school level ? Will improve the skills and speed of the players ? Can rope in sponsors if telecast
ANY CHANGE in the established format of a sport normally draws a mixed reaction from the people concerned. While some would see it as a welcome change, the others would scoff at it. But six-a-side hockey, the truncated format, seems to have extracted a unanimous approval from all quarters. Calling it the need of the hour, many even went to the extent of saying that six-aside was the way to go if hockey is to be revived.
Former India skipper and Olympian Pargat Singh is a staunch supporter of the new format. "Changes brought about as per the need and time are always good. The format had to be brought about as we neither have enough grounds nor players for the original format," he said, adding, "most of the schools do not have enough players to prepare a team. So this format would certainly help the game revive at school level," he said.
Dwelling on how they were planning to give it a further boost, he said they organised six-a- side tournament for girls in Jalandhar last year and following its success, they would hold all tournaments in junior and sub-junior section under this format. "The normal format would be used only in senior section," he said.
"It's very common in European countries and is now picking up in India as well. As it requires small area, we should set up astroturfs in all hockey pockets," said Col Harcharan Singh, former Olympian and member of 1975 World Cup winning team.
He added that the format demands great skills and fitness and the ones excelling here would find the goings quite easy in the normal format which provides much more breathing space.
"It provides huge opportunity to the players to improve their skills. Players have to manoeuvre the ball in much less space with great speed, which helps them in longer version of the game," said Indian forward Rajpal Singh.
The admirers of this format feel that it could even bring in elusive sponsors into hockey. "It provides much more thrill and action and is therefore a delight for the spectators. And with spectators showing interest, the sponsors too would have an incentive to enter this arena," said one of the hockey players.
But others aren't too enthusiastic about its commer cial potential unless it is telecast on television. "Although the spectators' interest and the smaller area, which would give the banners and logos better visibility, should attract sponsors, but a major thrust could come only once it's telecast.
If we can market this version of game, it has got great a commercial potential," said former Olympian Sukhbir Gill, also the organiser of just concluded 5th Olympian Dharam Singh Memorial Six a Side Hockey Tournament.
Goals it can score ? Will help the game revive at school level ? Will improve the skills and speed of the players ? Can rope in sponsors if telecast
ANY CHANGE in the estab- lished format of a sport nor- mally draws a mixed reac- tion from the people con- cerned. While some would see it as a welcome change, the others would scoff at it. But six-a-side hockey, the truncated format, seems to have extracted a unanimous approval from all quarters. Calling it the need of the hour, many even went to the extent of saying that six-a- side was the way to go if hockey is to be revived. Former India skipper and Olympian Pargat Singh is a staunch supporter of the new format. "Changes brought about as per the need and time are always good. The format had to be brought about as we neither have enough grounds nor players for the original for- mat," he said, adding, "most of the schools do not have enough players to prepare a team. So this format would certainly help the game re- vive at school level," he said. Dwelling on how they were planning to give it a fur- ther boost, he said they or- ganised six-a- side tourna- ment for girls in Jalandhar last year and following its success, they would hold all tournaments in junior and sub-junior section under this format. "The normal format would be used only in senior section," he said. "It's very common in Euro- pean countries and is now picking up in India as well. As it requires small area, we should set up astroturfs in all hockey pockets," said Col Harcharan Singh, former Olympian and member of 1975 World Cup winning team. He added that the format demands great skills and fit- ness and the ones excelling here would find the goings quite easy in the normal for- mat which provides much more breathing space. "It provides huge opportu- nity to the players to improve their skills. Players have to manoeuvre the ball in much less space with great speed, which helps them in longer version of the game," said In- dian forward Rajpal Singh. The admirers of this for- mat feel that it could even bring in elusive sponsors into hockey. "It provides much more thrill and action and is therefore a delight for the spectators. And with spectators showing interest, the sponsors too would have an incentive to enter this arena," said one of the hock- ey players. But others aren't too en- thusiastic about its commer- cial potential unless it is tele- cast on television. "Although the spectators' interest and the smaller area, which would give the banners and logos better visibility, should attract sponsors, but a major thrust could come only once it's telecast. If we can market this ver- sion of game, it has got great a commercial potential," said former Olympian Sukhbir Gill, also the organ- iser of just concluded 5th Olympian Dharam Singh Memorial Six a Side Hockey Tournament. Goals it can score ? Will help the game revive at school level ? Will improve the skills and speed of the players ? Can rope in sponsors if telecast
Sunil set to serve aces
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Keen to bring rank above 400 to get direct entry into ATP tournaments It's always an honour to represent your country at the highest level. The match I played along side my child- hood hero,Leander will always stay close to my heart - Sunil Kumar Sipaeya by Vinod Kumar
ONE OF Sunil Kumar Sipaeya's dreams came true when he played along with Leander Paes in a doubles match in Davis Cup in 2006. The duo won. Sunil now hopes his hard work will enable him to fulfill his another ambition: to get a direct entry into ATP tournaments. Sunil, 24, is among the few tennis players in the country that stand out for their consistency and fighting spirit. Hailing from Kapurthala, Sunil is ranked 610 in the world, 100 notches higher than his last year's ranking of 710.
Sunil says: "I am feeling strong as a horse and want to take part in as many tournaments as possible. If I am able to bring my rank above 400 by September, things will be a lot easier for me. It will help me get a direct entry into ATP tournaments."
Sunil had a great run in 2006, winning ITF Futures single in Tunisia and ITF Future Doubles in Delhi. He did not let injuries pull him down, realising the significance of making most of opportunities.
Success didn't come easily to this former pupil of Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA). The association took Sunil under its wings at the age of nine under its Rural Development Programme. Sunil toiled hard in the initial stages of his career and faced a lot of problems in meeting the expenditure.
"Apart from your own game, a tennis professional has to take care of his expenditure too. If you have a sponsor, you can concentrate on your game without any pressure," says Sunil. Reebok and Indian Oil are Sunil's sponsors, but it was not so rosy until he started serving aces.
Sunil shot into the limelight when he won the ITF 3rd IYF Central Asian Boys' U-14 singles title in 1996. He won his first national title in 1999 at the age of 16, a feat achieved only by Ramesh Krishnan and Leander Paes.
Now in his sixth year on the professional circuit, Sunil is determined to enter as many events as possible to improve his ranking. "Having a goal to improve your ranking always gives you a boost and makes you raise your game," he says, having continuously played for six weeks.
His best result was two semifinal berths in ITF Fu ture Tournament in China.
Sunil has been part of Indian Davis Cup team on three occasions. He was picked for the first time in 2002, but could not make it to the playing team. He was overlooked for the next five years but was called back to play against Uzbekistan in February 2007. He partnered his childhood hero Leander in a doubles match.
"It's always an honour to represent your country at the highest level. The match I played alongside Leander will always stay close to my heart," says Sunil.
Sunil was also part of the Indian Davis Cup team that lost to Kazakhstan in April 2006, though he did not play in any of the matches.
CLTA director Rajan Kashyap and Leander's father Dr Vece Paes have played a vital role in shaping up Sunil's career. "I owe all my success to Rajan Kashyap and Dr Paes. They both have helped me lot throughout my career and motivated me to perform well," he says, stressing he is working hard on his core strengths: speed and service.
Sunil says: "I am feeling strong as a horse and want to take part in as many tournaments as possible. If I am able to bring my rank above 400 by September, things will be a lot easier for me. It will help me get a direct entry into ATP tournaments."
Sunil had a great run in 2006, winning ITF Futures single in Tunisia and ITF Future Doubles in Delhi. He did not let injuries pull him down, realising the significance of making most of opportunities.
Success didn't come easily to this former pupil of Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA). The association took Sunil under its wings at the age of nine under its Rural Development Programme. Sunil toiled hard in the initial stages of his career and faced a lot of problems in meeting the expenditure.
"Apart from your own game, a tennis professional has to take care of his expenditure too. If you have a sponsor, you can concentrate on your game without any pressure," says Sunil. Reebok and Indian Oil are Sunil's sponsors, but it was not so rosy until he started serving aces.
Sunil shot into the limelight when he won the ITF 3rd IYF Central Asian Boys' U-14 singles title in 1996. He won his first national title in 1999 at the age of 16, a feat achieved only by Ramesh Krishnan and Leander Paes.
Now in his sixth year on the professional circuit, Sunil is determined to enter as many events as possible to improve his ranking. "Having a goal to improve your ranking always gives you a boost and makes you raise your game," he says, having continuously played for six weeks.
His best result was two semifinal berths in ITF Fu ture Tournament in China.
Sunil has been part of Indian Davis Cup team on three occasions. He was picked for the first time in 2002, but could not make it to the playing team. He was overlooked for the next five years but was called back to play against Uzbekistan in February 2007. He partnered his childhood hero Leander in a doubles match.
"It's always an honour to represent your country at the highest level. The match I played alongside Leander will always stay close to my heart," says Sunil.
Sunil was also part of the Indian Davis Cup team that lost to Kazakhstan in April 2006, though he did not play in any of the matches.
CLTA director Rajan Kashyap and Leander's father Dr Vece Paes have played a vital role in shaping up Sunil's career. "I owe all my success to Rajan Kashyap and Dr Paes. They both have helped me lot throughout my career and motivated me to perform well," he says, stressing he is working hard on his core strengths: speed and service.
VINOD-------THE SPORTS JOURNALIST
Sports Freaks need no introduction, they can be sighted or their comments can read. Same goes for me, I can be found anywhere with my camera. Sports is my passion and I just cant get over that. I can playing but more than that I like following it.From Grand Prix to cricket I can see it all and not get tired of it.
By now, you would have know why in hell am i creating such a background. Obviously i write for sports and this happens to be my job as well.
I am going to add pictures continuously to my blog here and will update with latest sports news as well. bear with me if the updation happens too quickly.
Bye for now
VINOD
By now, you would have know why in hell am i creating such a background. Obviously i write for sports and this happens to be my job as well.
I am going to add pictures continuously to my blog here and will update with latest sports news as well. bear with me if the updation happens too quickly.
Bye for now
VINOD
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