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Sticking to the task
Updated On: 31 August, 2015 08:06 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
<p>It was the year 2000. This journalist, while still trying to figure the rollercoaster that is Indian sport, was dispatched to cover a junior national women’s hockey tournament.</p>
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It was the year 2000. This journalist, while still trying to figure the rollercoaster that is Indian sport, was dispatched to cover a junior national women’s hockey tournament. Being held on Mumbai’s lone astro turf surface, there was considerable excitement to watch proceedings, predictably. But not for the players, many of who hailed from the interiors or Bihar, Orissa and Nagaland – areas where access to such facilities were possibly far and few. However, this wasn’t their primary concern. Leaking taps, limited water supply and smelly bunk beds were.
As the tournament got underway, countless skeletons emerged from the closet, quicker than penalty corner conversions. To our horror, we stumbled upon how some of India’s young talent was subject to unspeakable living conditions. “How can we focus on the game?” bolder players would ask; while others chose to stay silent and somehow, deliver their best. Coaches were horrified that their teenage wards were made to stay in such quarters, as they begged the press to push for their case. As coverage about these facilities (or lack of it) surfaced from all corners, finally, the authorities blinked. Things improved as many teams were shifted to better spaces. We were treated to some terrific games, packed with displays of dribbling wizardry and deft stickwork. Later, as we followed the fortunes of some of these young players, it warmed us immensely to see them shine at the highest level, nationally, and internationally too.
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