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Getting a foothold
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The sport gets a boost with Defence authorities agreeing to lend their ground
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PHOTO: K. GAJENDRAN
BACK AND KICKING The Sachdev Sports under-16 tournament proves the sport is in robust health
There is something to cheer about for soccer fans in the Trimulgherry-Alwal belt in Secunderabad, which has produced many outstanding Olympians, including K.P. Dhanraj, Dharmalingam Kannan and Peter Thangaraj.
First, the Defence authorities have finally acceded to the long-pending demand of the locals to use the Trimulgherry Village Grounds for football after giving advance intimation. Second, the two tournaments - Sachdev Sports under-16 tournament organised by Shastri Club and the Seven-a-side tournament conducted by former international John Victor - provided proof that there are quite a few people and organisations willing to host events and keep the game ticking.
The under-16 tournament saw some talented players display their skills on the Village Grounds. If only the efforts to promote the sport are provided a momentum with support from the Cantonment Board and other officials, there is every possibility of seeing the emergence of sub-junior football of a decent standard.
What is obvious is the fact that there were no competitive events for children. Even those who started football academies in the locality were forced to take a re-look at the concept itself. That John Victor, SAAP football coach at Gymkhana Grounds, was forced to stop accepting entries beyond 100 for his summer camp, reflects the unbridled interest amongst the boys.
Michael Abraham organised one of the four tournaments in the locality by hosting the Arulappa memorial tournament on a grand scale spending about Rs. 1.30 lakhs. He says that it is imperative now to sustain the interest. "Unless the boys are exposed to events with decent prize money, there is every threat of the available talent drifting away to a point of no return," he says.
Regaining glory
There is also a feeling that those who wish to see the Trimulgherry belt regain its past glory in football, should come together . "After all, if they say soccer is their first love, let them shed all inhibitions," appeals Michael, himself an avid fan and promoter.
The Sachdev Sports tournament also gave an indication that the sport still attracts young boys to the ground. The sight of youngsters sitting on the compound wall to witness the proceedings and also lustily cheer the players, was a welcome sight and one which should rekindle interest amongst soccer officials.
Although world-class infrastructure for the 2002 National Games and the Afro-Asian Games has come up in Hyderabad, what cannot be ignored is the fact that the sports-loving fraternity of Secunderabad Cantonment area was denied of even minimum practice facilities.
There is not a single indoor stadium in this part of the City where still exists a sports culture battling against all odds. May be, it is time the Cantonment officials think of taking care of the interests of these enthusiastic young sportspersons.
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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