Sarda: The ‘nursery’ student who became VHA president
   Date :06-May-2022

Sarda The nursery 
 
 
 
By Paritosh Pramanik
THE passing away of Radheshyam Sarda, a steel businessman and former two-time President of Vidarbha Hockey Association, has created a big void in city’s hockey circle. He will be missed by the game’s lovers for his administrative skills. Sarda, 67, passed away on Thursday. Sarda came into limelight in the sports field in the year 2005 when he defeated much acclaimed late Balraj Aher in the VHA election. The election was much publicised as it was after more than 18 years, that the association was getting a new legally-elected executive committee. It was also for the first time the election was held as prior to 2005, the body was elected unanimously, till 1987.
From 1987 and till 2004, VHA was run by Aher who was its president and late Gurumurthy Pillay who acted as the secretary.
Late Arun Kokane fought a legal battle in the charity commissioner office and the election was announced on April 24, 2005. Sarda, who himself termed his entry on hockey field as a “nursery student” stunned all by narrowly defeating Aher, who was the sitting Vice-President of now defunct Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), by eight votes for the top post. Sarda later continued to be associated with hockey and also served as its executive committee member, having no inclination in holding the top posts.
“I want to serve the game. Whether I am the president or an executive member, I will always be there for the development of hockey,” he had told ‘The Hitavada’.
If his first executive body in 2005 was a mixed one, the 2014 election helped his Hockey Lovers and Promoters Panel make a clean sweep winning all the 13 posts available. Such was his relation with the life members of the association, which had a big number of businessmen. It was a sort of return to the game for Sarda in 2014 as he claimed the president’s post from another well-known businessman BC Bhartia who was at the top for six years.
Sarda also helped in developing the lawn ground and during his tenure the association got a new office building.
Sarda’s passing away was mourned by his VHA colleagues. “Very sad news that Radheshyam Sarda left for heavenly abode today. He served Vidarbha Hockey Association as executive committee member as well as its President. We pray the departed soul rest in peace and impart strength to family at this time of grief,” said TN Sidhra, who is court-appointed administrator of the association.
Former VHA Vice-President Subhash Chander said, “Sarda was a dynamic personality. May Almighty give strength to his family.” “He was a good administrator of the association. His administrative skills were excellent and has the ability to complete any task within time,” said other hockey lovers.