 |
|
| SPORTS TRIBUNE | Saturday, January 5, 2002, Chandigarh, India |
|
More attention needed for university sports Sangram’s work with bat pays TEEING-OFF Overcoming hurdles with grit |
|
|
|
More attention needed for university sports THERE was a time when in keeping with the much orchestrated slogan catch them young considerable attention was paid to sports at the school and college level with the inter-university Tournaments in particular given special treatment. The colleges and universities were the feeder channels from where the national teams drew their talent and inspiration. Polly Umrigar, Ajit Wadekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Bishen Singh Bedi, and a host of others came though this channel to serve the country at the highest level of cricket. Harbinder Singh, Ajit Pal Singh and many more built up the formidable hockey sides that India was to be proud of. The same was the story in athletics where Gurbachan Singh, Ajmer Singh, Sridhar Alva, Labh Singh and many others went on to shine on the national and international track and field. One could go on endlessly in other sports too. Excellence at the university level was a password to national and international sports. Unfortunately for some years now sports at the school and university level has been given a short shift and the popular inter-university tournaments are all but ignored or forgotten. The Association of Indian Universities which took over from the Inter-University Sports Board has somehow not been able to deliver the goods. Also there appears to be little or no coordination with the national federations and the AIU in running the tournaments. The sad part is that not only have the inter-university Tournaments been devalued the media too appears to have lost interest. That perhaps is the biggest blow to university sports. The over indulgence to international(not national) cricket means that almost the entire available space has been taken over by just one game, irrespective of whether India is involved or not. And the visual media is still in a state of evolving a policy or so it seems, considering how little importance is given to games other than cricket. Take for instance the recently concluded Inter-University Athletics Championships held in Calicut University. Except for a major daily with headquarters in Chennai, the event went almost unnoticed. There was of course no time given to the competition in the visual media. It was a pity, this lack of interest. It was all the more so since there were so many performances of note in the four-day championships with some very old records updated. The results were very encouraging and some of the athletes are bound to be in the news in the coming years. The performances were all the more creditable since they were achieved in conditions far from ideal. The track was mud-bound and not synthetic. And to top it all the latest records were not available with the organisers. That despite these handicaps the meet produced some remarkable feats is a credit to the aspiring young athletes. One of the notable performances recorded was the 2:10.9 clocked by Sinimol Paulose, the national junior champion in the women’s 800 metres. The old record of 2:11.7, set some 18 years ago, stood in the name of Shiny Abraham. Then there was the hurdling of K.A. Shamlamol who beat the national under-20 champion, A. Kalyani in the race for the 100-metre hurdles title, clocking 14.2 sec. Projecting himself as a new champion in the making was S. Sredharan of Madras University who set a new mark in the men’s 110 hurdles. He clocked 14.2 sec to beat the standing mark of 14.70 set by Ranjit Randhawa (son of Gurbachan Singh). Another name to juggle with was that of Alex Antony Raj who became the fastest man of the meet while winning the 100 metres in 10.9 sec. He is the younger brother of former national champion Selvaraj Roberts. One of the oldest records to disappear from the books was the 400 metres mark 48.2 sec set by Ranjit Pal Singh Mann of Delhi 32 years ago. The man who lowered it was junior international P.S.Primesh who clocked 47.2 sec And Harwant Kaur only kept up a family tradition when she won the women’s shot put and discus. Her 14.29 mts in the shot put helped her beat Gurmeet Kaur’s 14.09 mt, set in 1988. Gurmeet is a former Asian bronze medallist and an aunt of Harwant while her husband, Yadvinder Singh is a coach of Harwant. Two other outstanding performances which gave stature to the meet were the 15.64 mts leap by triple jumper P.V.Vinod who also won the decathlon in a rare double and Babita Chaudhary’s fine effort in the women’s 400 metres hurdles. There were many other encouraging performances, mostly by recognised juniors of national calibre, all of whom made that extra effort to ensure that the championships was a success in every respect. But at the end of it there was still that feeling that these youngsters should be given a better deal. If major athletics meets are conducted on synthetic tracks why not the inter-university competition? |
|
Sangram’s work with bat pays THE turnaround was sudden but is now complete as well as amazing. Himachal’s Sangram Singh began as a medium pace bowler when he took to competitive cricket. Having got selected in the schoolboy’s team which toured the West Indies in 1995-96, Sangram fared well. More hard work fetched him a berth in the pace bowlers academy at Gwalior in 1996 where he worked hard honing his skills for three year. But as luck would have it Sangram suddenly developed a liking for batting. And the move which might have looked absurd at that stage to many, seems to have paid off. This year’s domestic season saw Sangram in stupendous touch. Scoring heavily irrespective of the quality of the rival bowling attack, the modest lad from Nahan enabled Himachal Pradesh make their maiden entry into the knock-out stage of the Ranji Trophy Championship and forced his entry into the India A squad to be captained by V.V.S. Laxman for the Challenger Series, involving three best teams in the country vying for the top honours from December 10. Sangram’s selection may have surprised many for it is generally very uncommon for a player from the hill state, virtually the punching bags along with Jammu and Kashmir, in the domestic circuit to reach this far and compete with the best for selection to the national squad. But for those keeping a tab on Sangram’s performance know that it is a just reward for the hard work and the results shown by him in the premier national championship this year. Sangram left many established players behind to finish as the top scorer from the North Zone in the league phase of the Ranji Trophy Championship. Not a mean achievement indeed! Sangram was in terrific form which saw him notch up a double century, two centuries and as many half centuries. For Himachal Pradesh it is virtually a dream come true making an entry into the knock-out stage of the championship at the expense of former Ranji champions Haryana, to compete along with Delhi and Punjab. “He is very sound on the front as well as at the back foot,” Devinder Arora, coach of the Himachal Ranji squad said recently about Sangram. When queried further Arora, who has played a crucial role in the development of the 24-year-old as a batsman, said Sangram had it in him to play for the country. Arora said when he started coaching the youngster there were a couple of flaws in his batting. “His head was dropping a little while driving the ball and he had some problem with his feet movement. I worked on these flaws. Sangram, on his part, also worked diligently.” And the difference is there for all to see. Displaying sound character and technique he notched up 190 against formidable bowling attack of Delhi. Against Services he played a marathon innings of unbeaten 215. Not to be satisfied, he hammered a century against Jammu and Kashmir, besides amassing a half century in each innings against Haryana for a total of 707 runs in five innings at impressive 88.33 apiece. Sangram, a student of the St Stephens College in New Delhi, looked phlegmatic after his selection. Asked whether he was expecting a berth in the Champions Trophy squads he just said that he had been contributing heavily this season and remained confident throughout. He said that since it was for the first time that Himachal had qualified for the next stage in the history of the national championship it would be an excellent opportunity for the players to compete against tougher teams. Sangram, on his part, said he would do his best to carry on in the similar fashion. He also gave credit to Tej Kaul at the Gwalior pace academy for the physical toughness he now possesses. Champions Trophy presents Sangram with a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with the cream of Indian cricketers, besides showcasing his talent and skill to the national selectors. And the current form, if he is able to maintain, would not only do his career a world of good but would compel Himachal Cricket Association to shake off the slumber it is in and take meaningful steps for development of cricket in the state. |
|
TEEING-OFF THE golfing bug has bitten Indian sponsors, promoters and sports lovers in a big way. Despite economic recession, golf is perhaps the only sport progressing rapidly while other disciplines, cricket included, are struggling. This is because the Professional Golfers Association of India (PGAI) and Tiger Marketing Sports (TMS) have blended judiciously to promote and popularise golf. The life-style of many caddy-turned professionals has improved considerably while some other pros are making their presence felt in circuits away from home surroundings. The pro career is hazardous. But several young golfers have decided to face difficulties instead of continuing with amateur golf, which is battling for survival because of the indifference of the Indian Golf Union. The Indian pro golfers are aware that not making the cut in tournaments outside India means huge losses. But they are willing to face the situation instead of shying away. They know that what they lose in circuits abroad, they make it if they play well in tournaments promoted by the PGAI. The preparations for the Indian Open in March are in full swing. Response from renowned golfers from abroad is said to be encouraging. The new sponsors have resolved to cater to the needs of pros, particularly of Indian pros. Many innovations in the competition are likely. Several unforeseen problems have arisen in the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) which will be holding an extraordinary general meeting this month to sort them out. This has, however, not affected wont in improving the course for the Indian Open which will be held here after five years. The DGC course is not the only one which is undergoing improvement. Noida course has been improved extremely. So are the courses at Army Golf Club and Sadurjung Air Force Club. Ladho Sarai course (Saket) and Aravali (Faridabad) have been greatly upgraded. There is an unprecedented wave for golf. Jeev Milkha Singh may not have been lucky to have qualified for the USA PGA circuit, but he is in an upbeat mood that he will play there, come what may. Sponsored by Hero Honda, he will soon be seen in action in South Africa, co-sponsored by the South African and European PGA Tours. He will also play in Australia, which is a part of the circuit. From there, he will move on to play in Japan, where he had performed creditably last year. Currently engaged in improving his driving, Jeev is unlikely to play in the Indian Open as he will be playing in the Qatar Open. “It is great to hit a long ball as Tiger Woods does”, says Jeev, adding: “If I improve in this vital area, I will be able to perform better”. He may, however, play in the Hero Honda Masters, a title that he has yet to grab. The Indian Open is the country’s most prestigious competition. The dates of this competition should be finalised in consultation with leading Indian golfers like Jeev, Arjun Singh, Jyoti Randhawa. They should be made to take part because their participation will provide the much-mended thrust and colour.
Irina Brar asserts Parnita Garewal raised visions of causing a surprise to her city-mate Irina Brar in the South India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. She led on the first three days but found Irina in an irresistible and form in the final round to come from behind to claim the title. Irina reasserted that she was the best in the country. To win all the major titles in a season is an achievement to be richly proud of. She has matured a great deal and continues to improve. |
|
|
Overcoming hurdles with grit GURPREET Singh, who broke the 37-year-old national record besides two more in the 31st National Games, has encountered every ‘hurdle’ with grit to pave a more smooth way for himself each time. Gurpreet, a 21-year-old enthusiastic athlete of Punjab had created a new national record in 110 metre hurdles on the opening day of the 41st Inter-State Senior National Athletics Championship at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, Lucknow, in September 2001. He had covered the distance in a record time of 14.07 seconds eclipsing the earlier 37-year-old-record of 14.09 seconds set by Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, also from Punjab, in 1964 at Tokyo. Again fate had much more in store for him at the 31st National Games. He established two meet records, thus carving a niche for himself. He covered the distance in 110 metres hurdles in a record time of 14.10 seconds, thus breaking the previous record of Jangjit Singh of Punjab who had covered the same distance in 14.59 seconds at the Imphal National Games in 1997. The second record was established in 400 metres hurdles, when he broke the earlier record of Rajeev Balakrishnan of Maharashtra of 52.18 seconds, by completing the race in a record time of 51.66 seconds. Since 1994, when Gurpreet was still a class nine student of Khalsa College school, Amritsar, there has been no looking back. Every target was achieved and every goal fulfilled. But the hardwork, sincerity, self confidence and courage with which Gurpreet moved ahead, are unmatchable. With the backing of his father, Mr Shamsher Singh of Chhehreta in Amritsar, Gurpreet entered the athletic field and played his first ever inter-school competition at Patiala and achieved the fourth position. Then in August, 1995 he came to Ludhiana by surpassing Rajiv Balakrishnan of Tamil Nadu in the senior Inter-State Athletic Meet at Lucknow. He completed his distance in 14.19 seconds as against the earlier record of 14.24 seconds. In the Punjab Senior Athletic-Championship held at Jalandhar he again set a new state record by covering his distance in 14.12 seconds as against the earlier record of Sahib Singh of Punjab for 14.60 seconds. In the same year, he again set the new junior national record with a timing of 14.22 seconds and broke the record of Sahib Singh of 14.33 seconds in the All-India Junior Inter-Zone Athletic Championship held at Lucknow. He was selected in the Indian team for South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held at Kathmandu in Nepal and also for the Asian Junior Championship to be held at Singapore but had an attack of jaundice and had to return without participating. He was to have nine months bed rest but in between he again participated in the All-India Inter-University Athletic Championship at Gwalior and secured a silver medal. Then he joined Northern Railway as a ticket collector. In July, 2000 he participated in the Inter-State Athletic Meet at Chennai and came first. In October, 2000 he took part in the Open National Athletic Championship at Calcutta and secured a gold medal in 100 metres hurdles. He was selected for the Junior World Athletic Championship at Calcutta and secured a gold medal in 100 metres hurdles. He was selected for the Junior World Athletic Championship at Santiago in Chile and stood fifth. Then in September, 2001, he broke the 37-year-old national record in 110 metres hurdles. In October, 2001 he established a new meet record in the Open National Athletic Championship held at Chennai and secured the first place in 400 metres hurdles. |
sm
Time for Saurav Ganguly to quit Saurav Ganguly has lost his touch with the bat and it is high time he hangs his boots. Saurav failed to lead his ‘in-form’ team to victory even in the most favourable circumstances. His magic with the bat is now history and his days seem to be over. Over the past two years he has neither scored a century nor helped his team achieve victory on his own. The Indian team now is in full bloom and stands a good chance of winning on foreign and Indian pitches.
H.S. DIMPLE II Indeed it is a matter of grave concern that the batting of the Indian cricket team against the weak bowling attack of England in the Bangalore and Ahmedabad Tests was not up to the mark. It was found wanting at every stage. However, during the first Test at Mohali, it was presumed that the B grade England team would face humiliation in the remaining ties. But they proved it wrong and compelled India to go on the defensive. You have rightly observed in your editorial “A disappointing series” that Deep Dasgupta was chosen as a wicketkeeper but his performance was not up to the mark. He should have been dropped for the second and third Tests. Similarly a change in captaincy is required at the earliest.
SUBHASH C. TANEJA III Finally the ‘tigers at home’, who were expected to crush England 3-0, had to remain content with a 1-0 result. Had Thorpe not returned home or had rain not interrupted the third test, the result could have been entirely different. Regarding Michael Vaughan’s dismissal, the intention of the player should be read immediately and obviously Ganguly should have come and asked him to continue. In the 2000 home series against South Africa, Robin Singh collided with the bowler while attempting a single, but Steve Elworthy refused to run him out. Who can forget Courtney Walsh’s refusal to run out a Pakistan batsman in that all-important World Cup match in 1987? Just like the Bangalore Test, matches are not won or lost by such gestures but the game wins ultimately. VINISH GARG IV Cricket boards of India and South Africa have rightly decided to calm down the controversy generated by match referee Mike
Denness. However, India should now take some steps as suggested by former cricketer Kirti Azad to make the International Cricket Council realise the importance of India. The ICC has its major earnings from telecast rights of international cricket matches. India has about 70 per cent viewership of international cricket telecasts on TV channels. Till the ICC realises that injustice is done to India, India should impose a ban on telecast of all international cricket matches even though we may be participating in these matches. Such a step will make the ICC bankrupt and force it to shun its dictatorial attitude towards India. A separate Asian Cricket Council comprising India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh can also be set up. MADHU
AGRAWAL |
 |
|
