Controversies and blame games seem to be doggedly following the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as the premier sporting body’s hockey training ground in Bhopal has been found to be not up to international standards. This comes on the back of the Narsingh Yadav doping-fiasco where it has been alleged by the pugilist that he was a ‘victim’ of a conspiracy where unknown personnel adulterated his food with banned substances due to poor security around the kitchen and hostels.
It was a proud moment for India when the women’s hockey team qualified for the Rio Olympics, a first in 36 years, their last appearance being the 1980 Moscow Olympics. However, it seems that it would not be all smooth sailing for the girls as their final preparation hit a roadblock recently before their departure.
Sources confirm that the practice turf built in Bhopal, for the express training of the Indian women’s hockey team seems to be riddled with holes. This makes it extremely difficult to play under such conditions and interrupts the flow of the game, especially for hockey, an entirely turf dependent sport.
India Today spoke to Mr. Srinivas, DG, SAI, who said that although the turf met with topmost standards set by special laboratories under the FIH, there were still a few ‘small issues’ that had to be sorted out. It has emerged that there is a bit of a misunderstanding between the hockey federation and the Hong Kong based company from whom the turf was procured.
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As has been seen in multiple events earlier, it is never evident to sports officials that ‘small issues’ make the ultimate difference between a possible gold medal and none at all. What is even more shocking is that the SAI official who appears to have pointed out the flaws in the turf has been unceremoniously shunted out. This seems to have been too rough a treatment for a person who was just trying to do his job.
The team was later shifted to Bangalore where they trained in the same venue as the men’s hockey team. It remains to be seen whether this a genuine mistake or whether our officials were trying to keep our sportswomen on a back pedal. After the unfortunate removal of their captain under controversial circumstances, there is only so much that the team can take until it starts to mess with their heads.
The latest news is that the girls have safely reached Rio and are training hard to take the final steps of their journey to what the entire nation hopes is an Olympic gold.
