Gurdaspur, October 28
Hockey players in Gurdaspur are sore over the fact that the astroturf, gifted by the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) authorities about three years ago, has been virtually rendered unplayable.
The Gurdaspur District Hockey Association (GDHA) is responsible for maintaining the Astroturf.
Lack of proper water-sprinkling facilities and the non-availability of electricity connection to power the submersible pump has made the turf injury prone for players. Experts claim that the turf may completely wither out if water is not sprinkled on it regularly.
This district is known for producing top-class hockey players. However, what is irking the game’s aficionados is the fact that the youngsters are left with no option except to migrate to te neighbouring cities, including Jalandhar and Amritsar, to hone their skills.
GDHA officials claim that the District Sports Officer (DSO) has been entrusted with the task of maintaining the turf. “It is the job of the DSO to provide a power connection so that the submersible pump meant to provide water can work. However, due to lack of proper maintenance the turf has become injury prone," said Association Secretary Amarjit Singh Sandhu.
Sukhbir Kaur, DSO, however, maintained that her office was in touch with the Government College authorities to ensure that the players get all the necessary facilities.
The district is known for giving the country top players like Mukhbain Singh (1972, Munich Olympics), Surjit Singh (1973, Amsterdam and 1975, Kuala Lumpur World Cups, 1972 Munich and 1976, Montreal Olympics), Col Harcharan Singh (1973 and 1975 World Cups, 1972 and 1976 Olympics), Prabhjot Singh (2004, Athens Olympics) and Sukhjit Singh Cheema (1992, Barcelona Olympics). Women who have earned accolades are Shashi Bala who captained the country in the 1998 Utretch World Cup, former District Sports Officer Uma Jaggi who played International matches in 1975, Amandeep Kaur, who was a member of team that garnered the gold in the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
