Odisha’s success has Chandigarh connection

Deepankar Sharda

Panchkula, June 12

For the first time, kho-kho teams of both boys and girls of Odisha reached the finals of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG). And this achievement of the state has a Chandigarh connection.

Both teams played under the supervision of coach Sanjeev Sharma, who had remained the head coach of the Panjab University kho-kho teams for over 17 years. Sharma steered both his teams to the finals by defeating big teams like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab and Delhi.

It’s been nearly four months now that Sharma has taken this new assignment of coaching the Odisha kho-kho teams. “The Odisha Sports Department has hired me as its chief coach. It’s been almost four months now that I am training these kids. They have given a tremendous response and I am happy…as both my teams are in the finals,” said Sharma.

When asked about Panjab University, Sharma added that it would always remain his favourite. “I had plans to settle down in Chandigarh, but after getting the Odisha government’s offer, I couldn’t stop myself. I am living in a rented accommodation there and getting handsomely paid. Since I accepted this offer, it’s my duty to give my best for the state.”

Sharma, who spent more than 36 years in the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has also remained a talent scout for the Khelo India Games and also head coach of the SAI Centre, Gujarat.

“The kids (Odisha) are really hardworking and quick learners. I am lucky to coach this side. All players come from a humble background and love to learn new things. They are keen to give their best result on the field. Playing indoor kho-kho is definitely not easy, but we are already providing them infrastructure and an environment so that they can compete with teams like Maharashtra,” said Sharma.

Finals today

On Sunday, the Odisha girls defeated Punjab 9-8 while the boys beat West Bengal 16-13. Both teams will face Maharashtra in the finals, scheduled for Monday.