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| Future of state players in doldrums | | >>Differences between JKHA, SSC, a stumbling block for promoting hockey | |
If you ask state hockey players about the length of a hockey stick, very few would give correct answer. It sounds strange but it is true that Hockey in the state is now on the verge of losing its identity. There has been a sharp decline in the standard of hockey in the state following reported differences between the Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association and the State Sports Council. Both of them are shirking their responsibilities leaving the players high and dry. The Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association (JKHA) formed in 1960s with a motive to promote the game in the state and also to give ample opportunities to those who have the potential to prove their mettle.No doubt, the Association has achieved success to some extent but still there is a long way to go. There are some players who with their sheer hard work and dedication proved their worth by playing the national hockey squad in various national and international tournaments thereby bringing laurels for the state. Gurjeet Singh is one such brilliant hockey player, now serving in JKP, who proved his worth. He was adjudged the best midfielder in the recently concluded All India Police Sports Hockey Tournament. J&K Police was beaten by Punjab in the semifinal but nevertheless it was wonderful performance by J&K team. Another player, Iqbal Singh, who is also serving in JKP, was also one of the members of national hockey team who played in several international tournaments. Then, we have Subaiya Singh, serving in BSF. There is no dearth of talent in the state provided they are given the right guidance and direction to prove their mettle. Jagjit Singh General Secretary J&K Hockey Association when contacted regarding the dismal performance of the state players in national hockey championships, said, Hockey Association alone cannot be blamed for the degraded standard of the game in the state as the Hockey Association has to follow the instructions of the State Sports Council. While replying to a question regarding the fee structure fixed by the Association for the players for practice at K.K. Hakku Stadium, as maximum players are unable to practice at the stadium, he said, “ as far as fee is concerned, it is to be decided by the State Sports Council, as we don’t have any say in it. Admitting that there is a considerable decrease in the players practicing at the stadium now as compared to year 2000 when there was no practice fee. One main reason for decline in the number is that most of the players come from rural areas like Gole Gujral, R.S. Pura, and other adjoining areas with poor financial background. They don’t even have money to buy hockey sticks then how can you expect from them to pay their practice fees.‘Due to lack of practice, there is every danger that the Astroturf at K.K. Hakku Stadium, one of the best hockey stadiums in India might lose its life quite early. A normal life span for Astroturf is 10-15 years provided it is used on regular basis, otherwise the dust poured into the turf result in its damage. Talent itself is nothing unless it is channelised in a constructive manner. It can be possible only when the hockey players get opportunity to exhibit their caliber” he observed. Whosoever is responsible for the hapless position in hockey, it is players whose future is at stake due to misunderstanding between JKHA and State Sports Council. It is now time for both to come with a constructive approach to uplift the standard of hockey in the state in order to explore the true potential of state hockey players to do justice with their talent. That is perhaps the only way to bring revolution in state hockey in the better interest of the state and also for the young and promising players who have the killing instinct to prove their worth at national and international events as well thereby bringing laurels for the state.
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