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HI-FLIERS aim to soar high
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The Premier Hockey League which kicks off today at Hyderabad, promises to usher in a new era in Indian hockey. How will our Bangalore Hi-Fliers fare?
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— Photos: Sampath Kumar G.P.
Ramesh Parameshwaran: `The whole concept, some of them from the US NBA which splits the match into four quarters instead of the two halves and rotating substitutions, and a few weird rules like the replacement for a `red-carded' player, is all on a trial and error basis. A core committee can be formed to weed out whatever does not suit the event while more attractive concepts can be introduced in the years to come.' — Photos: Sampath Kumar G.P.
BANGALORE HI-FLIERS — will they take wings in the inaugural Premier Hockey League (PHL) is the question that hockey lovers in the state, and Bangalore in particular, would seek an answer for. Touted as pre-league favourites with a balanced line-up Bangalore Hi-Fliers' coach Ramesh Parmeshwaran has the task to get the best out of his star-studded outfit.
The 55-year-old coach spoke to MetroPlus on his team and his own coaching ideology. "It was my passion for the game that made me take up coaching. Whatever I am today, my identity, stature and respect are all thanks to this great game. As a player there were quite a few things deprived to the players during my playing days and that's exactly what I want to weed out now. There were lots of discrepancies like bata, food and proper stay, which were not addressed then. Today thankfully we are able to fight and get better facilities for the players who have to just perform on the field."
On coaches
Ramesh also makes some interesting observations on coaches.
"Coaching is a continuous learning process. But sadly today we have coaches not willing to learn once stripped off their assignment. They don't go back to the drawing boards again and learn newer strategies and inculcate them. Often there is animosity once they are taken off the responsibility," he says.
On his days as V. Bhaskaran's deputy with the National team, he says: "Those were the high's in my coaching career. The five years — 1995 to 2000 gave Indian hockey new life. In 1995 the Indian junior team qualified for the World Cup for the first time and then again in 1997 when the Indian team finished runner — up at Milton Keyes."
"I learnt a lot just watching and observing the chief coach," he adds. Ramesh had never shied away from doing his own stuff and making conditions better for players. "Ever since I began my coaching stint in 1985 with the state junior team, I have adopted and accepted many things from many coaches and have brought in a lot of my own innovations, all in the hope and expectations of making it worthwhile for the players," he says.
Coming back to the PHL, Ramesh says: "The concept is welcome and if the whole idea can generate more funds for the game and players, why not. Also with this league players will get more exposure."
Expectations
And expectations are high with some innovative concepts being introduced to make the event more television friendly. However Ramesh did not want to dwell on the various aspects that may sound ridiculous to the commoner and hockey buffs alike.
"The whole concept, some of them from the US NBA which splits the match into four quarters instead of the two halves and rotating substitutions, and a few weird rules like the replacement for a `red-carded' player, is all on a trial and error basis. A core committee can be formed to weed out whatever does not suit the event while more attractive concepts can be introduced in the years to come," hopes Ramesh.
Meanwhile, on the prospects of his team, Ramesh feels the label that his team are the team to beat hangs heavy.
"At least three coaches out of the five teams in the fray, for honours in the league have identified Bangalore Hi-Fliers as the team to beat. Our strength is in attack. Arjun Halappa, the captain, Tushar Khandekar and Sandeep Michael comprise the current India forward line, Sabu Varkey, a former Olympian, Prabodh Tirkey and the likes of drag-flick experts Len Aiyappa, Malaysia's Kuhan Shanmughanathan besides hard-hitter Christopher Xalco to take the penalty corners, the team does look balanced. Even our bench strength is the envy of many. Mudassar Ali Khan of Pakistan is the other foreign recruit in the Bangalore side besides the Malaysian captain," says Ramesh.
Bangalore Hi-Fliers play their first match against Sher-e-Jalandhar on January 15 even though the league opens two days earlier. Chennai Veerans, Maratha Warriors, Sher-e-Jalandhar and Hyderabad Sultans are the four other teams contesting for top honours.
AVINASH NAIR
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