IN AN attempt to break the ice, Hockey Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore met Vidarbha Hockey Association Administrator Triloki Nath Sidhra at VHA office on Tuesday afternoon. The informal meeting holds significance as VHA is contesting a case in the High Court against Hockey India’s decision to disaffiliate the hockey governing body of Vidarbha stating one-state-one-unit diktat of Indian Olympic Association. Hockey Maharashtra is also party to the case. The meeting between Bhore and Sidhra was held for over an hour with several members from Amravati also accompanying the latter.

 

According to sources, Bhore has offered to help VHA in getting Khelo India tournaments. “Yes there was an offer and he (Bhore) said that he can help VHA in organising Khelo India tournaments. I said you can hold tournaments now also under your banner (Hockey Maharashtra),” claimed Sidhra. “I only want VHA teams to participate in Hockey India nationals and get their certificates which would help them in getting jobs in various departments. If they wish to conduct Under-12, Under-14 tournaments at VHA, I am ready to permit Hockey Maharashtra to organise them under its banner. VHA will always support growth of hockey,” said Sidhra.

 

 

HOCKEY Maharashtra Secretary Manoj Bhore once again felt that career of budding hockey players should not be ruined due to pending court cases and adamant behaviour of authorities. “I want players to play hockey. Their careers should not suffer. Year 2020 was washed away by coronavirus. Now, VHA players won’t be able to participate in sub-junior nationals of Hockey India to be held later this month. The officials, whosoever they are, won’t get affected by this. It’s the players who will be the biggest losers. “It feels bad that Vidarbha players are not allowed to play nationals. What I feel is all should sit across the table and sort out the differences and find solution so that players get a chance to participate,” elaborated Bhore. “I am receiving calls from several hockey players of Vidarbha to sort out this situation and let them play and attend the trials. But I am helpless. I would suggest them to request Mr Sidhra to find solution. Players should approach Sidhra and request him for an amicable way out,” added Bhore. “What if VHA loses (in court). The players won’t be allowed to participate in nationals this year. There is no district body in Nagpur. It will take time for them (whoever gets affiliation) to get registered with Hockey Maharashtra. They will have to show their activities, which is nil at present in Nagpur. Who would suffer? Only the players,” reasoned Bhore.