The Hindu : Sport : Fitting finale on the cards

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Friday, Jan 11, 2008
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Sport

Fitting finale on the cards

Vijay Lokapally

Khandekar and Rajpal love the game immenselyPacked houses would do a world of good

CHANDIGARH: Indore is a laid-back town. Speed and cunning were alien in days when Tushar Khandekar grew watching his father weave a hockey stick like a wand. His father earned staggered glory but the son distinguished himself by donning the National colours and winning a fan following.

“I am proud of living up to my father’s expectations,” says the modest Khandekar, hero of Bangalore Hi-Fliers 4-2 win over Chandigarh Dynamos in the ESPN Premier Hockey League here.

High expectations

The teams meet in the decider here on Friday with Khandekar carrying the burden of high expectations from his fans and mates.

“It doesn’t matter how you score and doesn’t matter who scores. What matters is a goal and my job is to fetch goals. I love my hockey,” Khandekar said.

Hockey is the joy of life for Khandekar, and all those who pursue this sport, once a National game, but now languishing for support. “Sir, you need money also. Where else would you get Rs. 40 lakh for winning a tournament?. But I never played hockey for money. I played because I liked playing hockey,” Khandekar speaks for all those who play hockey.

Success at the highest level has remained an illusion for India hockey, what with the team striving to qualify for the Olympics.

If the spectators’ response at the Sector 42 Stadium is to be believed, hockey must be thriving. Sadly it is not, because, empty galleries mock at the players at most other hockey fields in the country.

“Families contribute to make hockey-watching a pleasant outing at the Sector 42 here. If only we get such a warm response elsewhere too. Hockey can be such joy.”

Driving force

Hockey indeed is joy! When speed and skill combine to make it a lovable spectacle. Ask Rajpal Singh, captain of the Dynamos, and the driving force behind his team emerging such an attractive combination.

“More such tournaments (PHL) would help the game grow. It is good for the game and for the public. They get to watch some decent competition,” says the determined Rajpal, a livewire on the field with his indefatigable spirit.

“Such tournaments help talent to thrive. It gives us financial assistance and a sense of achievement too. More importantly, it gives the youngsters a talent to win recognition.”

Well said Khandekar!. It is the PHL that has highlighted the prowess that Roshan Minz and Shivendra Singh bring to the hockey field. There is lot of promise from these two young torchbearers of hockey.

Hockey craves for support and recognition. The PHL is doing its bit; the players are doing theirs.

A packed house at hockey fields across the country would be a nice step in that direction, to keep alive the love for the game as portrayed by players like Khandekar and Rajpal.

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