Players rejected by Chandigarh Hockey Academy find place in other state teams

Someone’s loss is someone’s gain, and the ongoing 14th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship being held at the Sector 42 Sports Complex turned out to a live example of this.

After not being inducted in the Chandigarh Hockey Academy (CHA) on the basis of failing the age-verification test conducted by the UT Administration, the same set of players have been seen representing other states in this ongoing national event.

The CHA is one of the main feeders for local hockey and the majority of its players represent the city in various nationals. In 2017-18, the CHA had conducted trials to induct new trainees. After clearing the physical and skill test, the participants underwent an age verification test conducted by the doctors of local government hospitals. While those who passed the test were inducted in the academy, others were dropped from the list.

However, those dropped didn’t stop trying their luck and managed to get registered in other states. As they were good in skill work, they finally got into the shoes and were currently representing neighbouring states, including Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. Ironically, since then the academy has failed to induct players against vacant seats, owing majorly to players failing the age-verification test.

“Our team (Chandigarh) could have been strong in this particular event. The same thing happened in the junior nationals. Those players who were rejected by us after allegedly failing the age-verification test were representing other states. Either the test should be valid across India or the Administration should stop conducting it and adopt some other parameters,” said a senior functionary of local hockey on the condition of anonymity.

Another official added, “It’s really frustrating for us. In one particular match, the player who received the man of the match award was selected to the CHA, but was dropped after an age-verification test. It hurts to see good players going to other states.”

What hurts the most is that Hockey Chandigarh lads lost their quarterfinal against Haryana on Monday evening by a margin of just one goal. “This result could have been easily different. It’s not that our boys didn’t play well, but good players do make a difference. If they can play for other states after clearing all age-criteria processes, why not from Chandigarh,” questioned a coach.

As per the criteria, after clearing the skill tests, the selected players undergo age-verification test at the GMSH, Sector 16, where a panel of doctors examine the selected players on different criteria. The process was introduced to curb the problem of alleged ‘overage’ players in the state-run academies. “The Administration is not at fault. There has to be some rule to stop the problem of overage players and this (age verification test) is the best available source. If the other states accept the players rejected here on the basis of age-verification test, we have no control over it. Instead, the association can pursue the matter with the national body to come up with a solution,” an official of the Administration added.