Ashok Kumar, Vasudevan Baskaran and Baljit Singh Saini have, among them, won pretty much everything men's hockey has to offer. On Friday, they said even in defeat Pargat Singh had won them over. "The 21 votes Pargat won was his victory," Baskaran, captain of the last Olympic gold-medal winning team, told HT here. "Pargat showed the willingness to fight politicians and that should spur more former players to do the same, myself included," Baskaran said. Pargat lost to 83-year-old Vidya Stokes, a career politician, in Thursday's election.
At different times through the day, Kumar and Saini echoed Baskaran with Saini adding that it is important for ex-players to become administrators. "It isn't as if non-players and politicians don't make good administrators but if you have played the game, come through the ranks and have a knack for this, you would help the sport more," said Saini, member of the 1998 Asiad gold-medal winning team.
"But I knew what the result would be long back," Baskaran said. To that Kumar, Dhyan Chand's son and scorer of the matchwinner in the only World Cup India have ever won in men's hockey in 1975, added: "Be it general elections or that of a sports body, Pargat's defeat (to Vidya Stokes for the post of Hockey India president) again showed that it is contacts and money power win you votes, not your ability."
And what kind of elections were these anyway with cradles of Indian hockey like Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Karnakata being unrepresented, Baskaran asked. "The government should immediately appoint a committee comprising former players to look into this problem.
'Football better'
Kumar said administrators have serially ignored hockey at the grassroots, choosing to focus only on the "upper, five-star level" of the national team.
"Even football, where India is ranked in the 130s, looks after its players better. When it comes to organising domestic events, football does a better job than hockey," Kumar said.
Friday, August 6, 2010
CWG Merchandise to hit the market from Monday
The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games are in dire need of some good news. If things go according to plan, that will happen through the launch of the Games merchandise at outlets in the Capital on Monday. Unfortunately, like various other aspects of the Games' preparations, this too is a delayed start.
The London 2012 Olympics opened their first merchandise outlet two years before the Games, but here, we only have 57 days to go.
OC spokesman, Lalit Bhanot, told Hindustan Times, We would have liked to launch earlier, but didn't want it to coincide with the football World Cup. It is unfortunate that we have so little time left, but I am sure the response will be great."
The tender process for merchandising began in November 2009 but the first tender had to be scrapped because revenue targets were not being met. What we were getting earlier was just about 2.3 crores. Now we have finalized a deal that guarantees 7.2 crores, and could go up depending on sales. We are pretty sure it will increase."
Premier Brands will be responsible for merchandising operations, and will put on sale a number of products in 12 categories, including apparel, toys and souvenirs.
Bhanot also said the official letter terminating the services of Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), tasked with landing sponsorship for the Games, had been sent only on Friday, and until that was done, the merchandising launch was not possible.
Merchandising was also under the charge of OC joint director general, M Jayachandran, who has been suspended and is under inquiry for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay financial irregularities.
Friday was the first day of Jayachandran's hearing and Bhanot was non-committal on his replacement.
The OC has been accused of failing to secure adequate revenue to pay back the 1620 crore loan it received from the Centre, but Bhanot said, We have raised 600 crores through sponsorship and broadcast rights. More deals are going to be finalised in a few days, and we will meet the targets."
The London 2012 Olympics opened their first merchandise outlet two years before the Games, but here, we only have 57 days to go.
OC spokesman, Lalit Bhanot, told Hindustan Times, We would have liked to launch earlier, but didn't want it to coincide with the football World Cup. It is unfortunate that we have so little time left, but I am sure the response will be great."
The tender process for merchandising began in November 2009 but the first tender had to be scrapped because revenue targets were not being met. What we were getting earlier was just about 2.3 crores. Now we have finalized a deal that guarantees 7.2 crores, and could go up depending on sales. We are pretty sure it will increase."
Premier Brands will be responsible for merchandising operations, and will put on sale a number of products in 12 categories, including apparel, toys and souvenirs.
Bhanot also said the official letter terminating the services of Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM), tasked with landing sponsorship for the Games, had been sent only on Friday, and until that was done, the merchandising launch was not possible.
Merchandising was also under the charge of OC joint director general, M Jayachandran, who has been suspended and is under inquiry for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay financial irregularities.
Friday was the first day of Jayachandran's hearing and Bhanot was non-committal on his replacement.
The OC has been accused of failing to secure adequate revenue to pay back the 1620 crore loan it received from the Centre, but Bhanot said, We have raised 600 crores through sponsorship and broadcast rights. More deals are going to be finalised in a few days, and we will meet the targets."
Medals last thing on minds of Indian shooters
If the news of top foreign athletes pulling out of the Commonwealth Games was not enough, here is more bad news. Two of India's top sportspersons - rifle shooter Gagan Narang and pistol shooter Samresh Jung - who shared among them nine gold at the quadrennial Games in Melbourne in 2006, are frustrated because of varied reasons.
Narang, who returned to the Capital on Friday after shooting down a bronze at the World Championships in Munich, told HT he was taking a "break from shooting", as he had "no motivation left for the Commonwealth Games". The Hyderabad marksman had four gold at the Melbourne CWG and this time he could be gunning for six in individual and pairs events.
Narang was ignored for the highest sporting honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, for the third consecutive year and it's "broken me from inside".
"I don't have the motivation to shoot in the Commonwealth Games. I might not shoot. I don't have the motivation to shoot beyond today. Ignoring a world record holder is an insult. The perception of people can be changed with the government's intent and without it there is no reason why one should continue to bring in glory. I feel wrecked," the champion shooter, who sealed the first London Olympic Games quota for the country, said on Friday.
"I usually stop checking my e-mails five days before a major competition. But, on the eve of the competition I opened my mailbox only to see that I had been ignored again. I was heartbroken. (Team-mate) Samresh took me out, tried to talk me out of the shock.I wish they (Sports Ministry) had treated me better."
"I don't say (shuttler) Saina (Nehwal) shouldn't get the Khel Ratna. But, what about me.my achievements are bigger."
Samresh, who earned the sobriquet of 'Goldfinger' after his five-gold haul in Melbourne hasn't had a coach since Czaba Gyorik left two years back following the expiry of his contract after the Beijing Olympics in 2008. "There is no coach for more than a year, the shooting ranges are not ready, so where is the motivation to shoot, although I know Samresh will still give his best in the CWG," said wife, Anuja, who too won a gold in Melbourne.
Samresh is in Munich for the World Championships and is returning on August 13. "You need an experienced coach while you are shooting to iron out technical issues. This is indeed a big dampener," said Anuja, adding her husband's preparation had not been going in the right direction.
Half the number of gold India win in the CWG will be shared between them. But no one's talking about medals, at least for now.
Narang, who returned to the Capital on Friday after shooting down a bronze at the World Championships in Munich, told HT he was taking a "break from shooting", as he had "no motivation left for the Commonwealth Games". The Hyderabad marksman had four gold at the Melbourne CWG and this time he could be gunning for six in individual and pairs events.
Narang was ignored for the highest sporting honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, for the third consecutive year and it's "broken me from inside".
"I don't have the motivation to shoot in the Commonwealth Games. I might not shoot. I don't have the motivation to shoot beyond today. Ignoring a world record holder is an insult. The perception of people can be changed with the government's intent and without it there is no reason why one should continue to bring in glory. I feel wrecked," the champion shooter, who sealed the first London Olympic Games quota for the country, said on Friday.
"I usually stop checking my e-mails five days before a major competition. But, on the eve of the competition I opened my mailbox only to see that I had been ignored again. I was heartbroken. (Team-mate) Samresh took me out, tried to talk me out of the shock.I wish they (Sports Ministry) had treated me better."
"I don't say (shuttler) Saina (Nehwal) shouldn't get the Khel Ratna. But, what about me.my achievements are bigger."
Samresh, who earned the sobriquet of 'Goldfinger' after his five-gold haul in Melbourne hasn't had a coach since Czaba Gyorik left two years back following the expiry of his contract after the Beijing Olympics in 2008. "There is no coach for more than a year, the shooting ranges are not ready, so where is the motivation to shoot, although I know Samresh will still give his best in the CWG," said wife, Anuja, who too won a gold in Melbourne.
Samresh is in Munich for the World Championships and is returning on August 13. "You need an experienced coach while you are shooting to iron out technical issues. This is indeed a big dampener," said Anuja, adding her husband's preparation had not been going in the right direction.
Half the number of gold India win in the CWG will be shared between them. But no one's talking about medals, at least for now.
A mere Rs60 a day for vital supplements for India's elite athletes
Thousands of crores are being spent on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but organisers are struggling to provide Indian athletes with even Rs 200 worth of essential dietary supplements each day. HT has learnt that athletes are getting supplements worth barely Rs 60 per day, less than one-sixth of what they need in order to be competitive at the international level.
The supplements, which are vital in preparing athletes for the Games, are not merely insufficient, but even what is provided is often so substandard that athletes are not using them.
In 2008 the sports ministry sanctioned funds that would allow for Rs 200 per day to be spent on each athlete's supplements, in addition to Rs 250 for food and Rs 100 for overhead expenses. However, athletes are getting supplements worth Rs60. What's more, they got nothing at all for the first 8 months of their preparation for the Games because the ministry placed the tender late.
This has forced athletes to spend between Rs 10000-20,000 per month, an expense many can ill afford, on supplements. The kind of supplement needed and the quantity varies based on the discipline, with boxers and weightlifters being the worst hit.
"I have been using my own supplements," Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh told HT.
"I rarely use supplements provided by our authorities. Sometimes I take the energy drink that we get," said Vijender, even as other athletes spoke of jars of protein supplements arriving unsealed. "The expenditure on food supplements depends on the weight category and the level of competition of a boxer and comes to around R 10,000 to 20,000."
Weightlifters have suffered similar difficulties, and in their case the problem has been solved by the Indian Weightlifting Federation providing supplements worth Rs 300, and claiming a subsidy of Rs 200 from the Sports Authority of India. The excess expense is borne by the IWF.
"To perform well at the international arena, a lifter requires a minimum supplement of Rs 400 per day," Sahdev Yadav, IWF secretary general said.
A senior Delhi-based SAI official, however, suggested that there was no shortcoming in the supplements being supplied.
"Whatever we are providing is according to recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad," he said.
"The sanctioned money for supplements also includes energy drinks and juices and all our Centre's players are getting this as per the santioned amount."
The supplements, which are vital in preparing athletes for the Games, are not merely insufficient, but even what is provided is often so substandard that athletes are not using them.
In 2008 the sports ministry sanctioned funds that would allow for Rs 200 per day to be spent on each athlete's supplements, in addition to Rs 250 for food and Rs 100 for overhead expenses. However, athletes are getting supplements worth Rs60. What's more, they got nothing at all for the first 8 months of their preparation for the Games because the ministry placed the tender late.
This has forced athletes to spend between Rs 10000-20,000 per month, an expense many can ill afford, on supplements. The kind of supplement needed and the quantity varies based on the discipline, with boxers and weightlifters being the worst hit.
"I have been using my own supplements," Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh told HT.
"I rarely use supplements provided by our authorities. Sometimes I take the energy drink that we get," said Vijender, even as other athletes spoke of jars of protein supplements arriving unsealed. "The expenditure on food supplements depends on the weight category and the level of competition of a boxer and comes to around R 10,000 to 20,000."
Weightlifters have suffered similar difficulties, and in their case the problem has been solved by the Indian Weightlifting Federation providing supplements worth Rs 300, and claiming a subsidy of Rs 200 from the Sports Authority of India. The excess expense is borne by the IWF.
"To perform well at the international arena, a lifter requires a minimum supplement of Rs 400 per day," Sahdev Yadav, IWF secretary general said.
A senior Delhi-based SAI official, however, suggested that there was no shortcoming in the supplements being supplied.
"Whatever we are providing is according to recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad," he said.
"The sanctioned money for supplements also includes energy drinks and juices and all our Centre's players are getting this as per the santioned amount."
'The national team has always been top priority'
From helping the Indian team qualify for the Asian Cup, to signing with Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards, to facing Manchester United in a friendly, Sunil Chhetri's life has been a whirlwind. It could well have been a blur, but the refreshingly mature footballer has made it a point to take it all in, and learn from every experience. In New Delhi on his way to joining the Indian football team's training camp in Portugal, Chhetri was jetlagged, but candidly spoke to Hindustan Times about his journey, and where the road ahead may take him. Excerpts from the conversation:
What everyone wants to know, what was it like getting onto the pitch to face Manchester United?
It was incredible. When I found out the game was on, and that legends like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes would be playing, I couldn't believe it. That we won, despite being down to 10 men, made the dream complete. How many clubs can say that?
Any particular incidents you remember?
So many. One was when I was playing up front as lone striker, and our keeper sent a long ball up the field, I chested it down, turned and shot on the volley with my left foot. It wasn't the best of shots, but to be able to do that against a world-class defence gave me a lot of confidence.
Prior to the United game, you had said you were a little bit frustrated at not getting more minutes on the field.
I have grown up not being used to sitting on the bench. In the early days I would get angry. Then I realized it's not always that easy. I started being more positive, working harder in training, and automatically things started looking up.
Your coach has said there are some aspects of the game you need to work on.
I have but a great rapport with Wizards boss Peter Vermes. In India I play out and out striker, but here Kei Kamara has that role, so I have to sit back a little. I need to work on my defence, and whenever you learn new things you become a better player. This will show when I play with the national team as well.
How is the playing in the US different from India?
For one the technical proficiency of the players is much higher. The game is also faster and more physical. And then there are the training facilities and the venues. In Kansas, we have four training pitches, plus a stadium that is one of the best in America. Typically we come in around 9 am, have breakfast at the club kitchen, get treated by the masseurs, and then go to training. It's phenomenal.
What has it been like for you personally to make the switch to the USA?
Initially it was difficult, lonely. Indians there used to complain about India, and I would get angry, but I realized that life is just a lot easier there. Here by the time you get to office from home, you are already angry, hassled, stressed. People have a lot more respect for each other there. But there were difficult times as well, when you have no one to talk to. My family has been a huge support. Without them I would never have been able to survive.
What do you do in your free time?
A lot of us foreign players stay in the same building. I was sharing an apartment with Chance Myles and Diop, in the centre of the city. We play a lot of Playstation, go out for meals, hang out. The usual stuff boys do.
For your female fans, are you single?
Let's say I'm not married, and leave it at that. I am a pretty good catch though. I cook, I'm neat, and I'm fit, so it's a good package (laughs).
You are going to join the national team. How did it feel to leave the Wizards and what thoughts do you have on preparations for the Asian Cup?
There was a twinge of disappointment when I left Kansas, because things were really looking up, and I was confident of being in the playing XI soon. But they have been great, and so has the AIFF. My manager told me they wanted to support me and give me the freedom to do what I want. And I have a long term contract there, so I have nothing to lose.
As far as the camp is concerned, the national team has always been my number one priority. I have massive respect for Bob Houghton. He is the best thing to have happened to Indian football, and when I think about joining the team in a couple of days, I get really pumped.
India's chances at the Asian Cup?
Playing higher ranked teams is the way forward for us. Even in the US, my goal has been to show people Indians can play football. And it is the same for the national team. We are ranked low only because we don't play enough international matches. That will change. In Doha next year, we will play all the big names, and that is not a surprise. Getting six months with Bob will make us a much better team. We have already shown that we can beat higher ranked teams at home, now we have to go out and do the same. We are focused and positive.
And who will be the next Indian to play abroad?
There are lots of guys, Steven Dias, Subrata Pal, Pradeep; I hope they get a chance and prove to the world that we are better than 130th in the world.
Lastly, your thoughts on the AIFF development team playing in the next edition of the I-League.
I think it's a brave move that will pay-off. I am sure the team will do well, the Delhi crowd will back them, and they will pull off a few surprises. It will also give us a much bigger pool for the national squad. These boys otherwise would have signed for big clubs, but sat on the bench, been ignored. Now they will play every week and it will make them stronger. If I was here and had the option, I would have loved to sign up for this squad.
What everyone wants to know, what was it like getting onto the pitch to face Manchester United?
It was incredible. When I found out the game was on, and that legends like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes would be playing, I couldn't believe it. That we won, despite being down to 10 men, made the dream complete. How many clubs can say that?
Any particular incidents you remember?
So many. One was when I was playing up front as lone striker, and our keeper sent a long ball up the field, I chested it down, turned and shot on the volley with my left foot. It wasn't the best of shots, but to be able to do that against a world-class defence gave me a lot of confidence.
Prior to the United game, you had said you were a little bit frustrated at not getting more minutes on the field.
I have grown up not being used to sitting on the bench. In the early days I would get angry. Then I realized it's not always that easy. I started being more positive, working harder in training, and automatically things started looking up.
Your coach has said there are some aspects of the game you need to work on.
I have but a great rapport with Wizards boss Peter Vermes. In India I play out and out striker, but here Kei Kamara has that role, so I have to sit back a little. I need to work on my defence, and whenever you learn new things you become a better player. This will show when I play with the national team as well.
How is the playing in the US different from India?
For one the technical proficiency of the players is much higher. The game is also faster and more physical. And then there are the training facilities and the venues. In Kansas, we have four training pitches, plus a stadium that is one of the best in America. Typically we come in around 9 am, have breakfast at the club kitchen, get treated by the masseurs, and then go to training. It's phenomenal.
What has it been like for you personally to make the switch to the USA?
Initially it was difficult, lonely. Indians there used to complain about India, and I would get angry, but I realized that life is just a lot easier there. Here by the time you get to office from home, you are already angry, hassled, stressed. People have a lot more respect for each other there. But there were difficult times as well, when you have no one to talk to. My family has been a huge support. Without them I would never have been able to survive.
What do you do in your free time?
A lot of us foreign players stay in the same building. I was sharing an apartment with Chance Myles and Diop, in the centre of the city. We play a lot of Playstation, go out for meals, hang out. The usual stuff boys do.
For your female fans, are you single?
Let's say I'm not married, and leave it at that. I am a pretty good catch though. I cook, I'm neat, and I'm fit, so it's a good package (laughs).
You are going to join the national team. How did it feel to leave the Wizards and what thoughts do you have on preparations for the Asian Cup?
There was a twinge of disappointment when I left Kansas, because things were really looking up, and I was confident of being in the playing XI soon. But they have been great, and so has the AIFF. My manager told me they wanted to support me and give me the freedom to do what I want. And I have a long term contract there, so I have nothing to lose.
As far as the camp is concerned, the national team has always been my number one priority. I have massive respect for Bob Houghton. He is the best thing to have happened to Indian football, and when I think about joining the team in a couple of days, I get really pumped.
India's chances at the Asian Cup?
Playing higher ranked teams is the way forward for us. Even in the US, my goal has been to show people Indians can play football. And it is the same for the national team. We are ranked low only because we don't play enough international matches. That will change. In Doha next year, we will play all the big names, and that is not a surprise. Getting six months with Bob will make us a much better team. We have already shown that we can beat higher ranked teams at home, now we have to go out and do the same. We are focused and positive.
And who will be the next Indian to play abroad?
There are lots of guys, Steven Dias, Subrata Pal, Pradeep; I hope they get a chance and prove to the world that we are better than 130th in the world.
Lastly, your thoughts on the AIFF development team playing in the next edition of the I-League.
I think it's a brave move that will pay-off. I am sure the team will do well, the Delhi crowd will back them, and they will pull off a few surprises. It will also give us a much bigger pool for the national squad. These boys otherwise would have signed for big clubs, but sat on the bench, been ignored. Now they will play every week and it will make them stronger. If I was here and had the option, I would have loved to sign up for this squad.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
I-League to kick-off in November: AIFF
The All India Football Federation president, Praful Patel, played host to representatives of the I-League clubs in the Capital on Wednesday. On top of the agenda was the kick-off date for the fourth edition of the country's top club tournament. League CEO, Sunando Dhar, told HT, "It has been
decided that the league will begin after the Asian Games, around the third week of November."
There were proposals to hold the League from March 2011, after the Asian Cup, but this was rejected on the grounds that most clubs had already signed players, and had begun training for the new season.
Dhar said the Asian Football Confederation would be sending its assessment team to India from October 23 to November 1 to assess participating clubs. The AFC has laid down criteria for club licensing, and those who fail, will not be allowed to participate.
Another key issue discussed was the 14th team in the League, after Mahindra United's withdrawal. A number of clubs had asked for the spot, but it was decided that the AIFF development team (essentially an U-19 squad) would fight it out. The issue of the number of foreigners allowed per team was also decided. The league will retain the current limit of 3+1 overseas players. "Mohun Bagan raised the point that they had already committed to signing four foreigners for the next season, and since other tournaments will be held before the League, the president said he was in agreement with allowing all to play in these tournaments," said Dhar. Normally, only two foreigners are allowed per team for local leagues, the IFA Shield, Durand and Federation Cups which will be held in September, October and November.
decided that the league will begin after the Asian Games, around the third week of November."
There were proposals to hold the League from March 2011, after the Asian Cup, but this was rejected on the grounds that most clubs had already signed players, and had begun training for the new season.
Dhar said the Asian Football Confederation would be sending its assessment team to India from October 23 to November 1 to assess participating clubs. The AFC has laid down criteria for club licensing, and those who fail, will not be allowed to participate.
Another key issue discussed was the 14th team in the League, after Mahindra United's withdrawal. A number of clubs had asked for the spot, but it was decided that the AIFF development team (essentially an U-19 squad) would fight it out. The issue of the number of foreigners allowed per team was also decided. The league will retain the current limit of 3+1 overseas players. "Mohun Bagan raised the point that they had already committed to signing four foreigners for the next season, and since other tournaments will be held before the League, the president said he was in agreement with allowing all to play in these tournaments," said Dhar. Normally, only two foreigners are allowed per team for local leagues, the IFA Shield, Durand and Federation Cups which will be held in September, October and November.
Darbari denies role
The Sports Ministry might have recommended his sacking, but T S Darbari, whose name featured during the exchange of mails between the OC and the Indian High Commission, in the Queen's Baton Relay controversy, is putting up a brave front. It has been reliably learnt that Darbari, in a letter to Jarnail Singh (who is heading a three-member probe panel to verify the authenticity of the email, and the deal with AM Car and Van Ltd), has said that he had no role whatsoever in the deal. He has reportedly stated this was backed up by the minutes of the meetings.
The letter states, "Consequent upon a later confirmation of the President of India to grace the occasion, event arrangements had to be upscaled. This resulted in readdressing the budgets for conducting all related aspects."
The letter adds there wasn't enough time for a fresh tender to be floated to match rising costs and so, the Finance Committee of Organising Committee (OCFC) was requested to consider extending the work of M/S Jack Morton Worldwide by 25 per cent of original contract value.
For additional work, the Indian High Commission was to be approached to help out in finding vendors. The approach was accepted by the OCFC and thereby, "on recommendation of the Indian High Commission", M/s AM Car and Van Hire Ltd were considered for services.
The letter states, "Consequent upon a later confirmation of the President of India to grace the occasion, event arrangements had to be upscaled. This resulted in readdressing the budgets for conducting all related aspects."
The letter adds there wasn't enough time for a fresh tender to be floated to match rising costs and so, the Finance Committee of Organising Committee (OCFC) was requested to consider extending the work of M/S Jack Morton Worldwide by 25 per cent of original contract value.
For additional work, the Indian High Commission was to be approached to help out in finding vendors. The approach was accepted by the OCFC and thereby, "on recommendation of the Indian High Commission", M/s AM Car and Van Hire Ltd were considered for services.
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