The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Make use of technology’

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Monday, Mar 31, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Make use of technology’

Staff Reporter

I was one of the 200 boys assembled for the MCH summer camp at Lal Bahadur Stadium: Asaduddin Owaisi

HYDERABAD: Asaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad MP, went down memory lane! For someone who was a gangling fast bowler for Nizam College and Osmania University in the Vizzy Trophy, it was quite fitting that he formally launched the ‘Radar Speed Gun’ acquired by the Sports Coaching Foundation (Masab Tank).

Making one of his rare appearances at sports functions, Mr. Owaisi delighted the select gathering with a crisp speech about sports, and efforts needed to tap talent and recalled his playing days.

“I still remember when I was one of the 200 boys who assembled for the MCH (then) summer camp at Lal Bahadur Stadium for trials. Baig Sir, who turned out to be my first coach, spotted me and forced me to join the camp at Gymkhana for which I used to walk all the way from Hyderguda even as my father was against me playing cricket,” he recalled.

“It is a different issue that I did not go on to play for the country which is any budding cricketer’s ultimate dream,” he remarked. Noticing B. Mohan, former HCA selector, he remarked, “I also remember Mohan Sir how you picked me in the Hyderabad under-25 squad but did not let me play in the 11,” the MP said with a big smile. On a more serious note, Mr. Owaisi reminded the need to create sports infrastructure in Old City.

“We have plenty of talent and all that is needed is proper guidance and support at the right age,” he pointed out. He appreciated the efforts of SCF general secretary K. Sai Baba in promoting sports amongst the under-privileged.

C. V. S. K. Sarma, Special Officer and Chief Commissioner, GHMC, wondered whether it was not possible to produce 10 Olympians within GHMC limits given the money spent on sports programmes.

“I am sure there are talented youngsters in many disciplines. We have to unearth these jewels to keep the country’s flag flying in Olympics. This is why we appreciate SCF efforts,” he said.

L. V. Subrahmanyam, Principal Secretary, Health, wanted GHMC to conduct league tournaments every month in different disciplines by involving State Sports Associations. “There is need to make optimum use of technology by all the coaches,” he said.

He appealed to the GHMC to publicise extensively all the major sporting events at its 1,100 playgrounds to inculcate the sporting culture amongst citizens.

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