'W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L', This is the word I shall use from my vocabulary to describe the interview transcript with the legendary, Mr.Vasudevan Bhaskaran. I am an avid follower of Indian hockey and I must say that the way the IHF committee comprising mainly Mr.K.P.S. Gill & his clones they handly issues concerning hockey is a mockery of the sport itself. Just like Chess this game was invented in our country and look at these bunch of jokers handle the sport. Mr.Bhaskaran has exactly voiced my opinions and I am well I am short of words in praising his comments. Indian Government should appoint a Sports authority to look into this issue and with seriousness, atleast our Great President, Mr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, should do something about it, pay heed to what legendary sportsperson such as Mr.Bhaskaran's views and try to notice the loop hole. I hope atleast this time, someone at the highest authoritative positions hears the plea of people who very much desire a change in the whole system handling Indian Hockey, esp with Mr.KPS Gill and his bunch.
If INdia has to do well in any sport then at first the INDIANS should change their attitude towards sports. Cricket has become a media sport more than the game it self which is detrimental for the survival of other sports, if the public doesn't have a positive attitude toward thos sports and the sportsmen.
Plz reply urgently
by Ishan on Aug 22, 2004 12:12 PM
I have a question and i am a student of std 11th My question is : What should India do to improve its position in Olympics?
I agree with Bhaskaran that Indian Hockey should be as proffessional as Indian Cricket.We as spectator loose interest in the game due to frequent changing of coaches and players. In every sport people starts involving them self with the player they like.I personaly start following the perticular player.But every now and then change in the team is very discouraging for gamelovers also.For last 5 years or so only known figure in Indian Hockey is Mr Gill. We need Tendulkars,Dravids in Indian Hockey not Mr Gill or so.
Mr Bhaskaran makes a fair point about professionalising the sport. But there are few key impediments to that.
Professionalism precludes that there is money to be made for professionals, also it means that there is space of professionals to impart their knowledge and skills to a bunch of individuals who in their opinion are the best available talent at that point in time. Lastly it also means that there is steady stream of income to be made all around the year (or sufficient enough to see through the period when there is no income).
But as well all know none of the above three is happening. We dont have enough money in the sport therefore there are no uncomfortable questions raised (the difference between cricket and hockey is like the difference between Bangalore and Bihar)-easily apparent since most hockey players also hail from Bihar/Orissa.IHF is being allowed to be run like a fiefdom and no one dares question Mr Gill. Most players as I already pointed out play hockey to get government jobs not for the passion of the sport.Lastly there is hardly any national league that can fetch money to the people involved in the sport for someone to consider hockey as a profession.
