New Indian Express: Three Hockey Olympians from Odisha complain of neglect during HIL

BHUBANESWAR: Three hockey Olympians from the State on Saturday met the Odisha Sports Development Promotion Company (OSDPC) authorities and expressed their angst for being ignored during the Hockey India League (HIL) 2017 which is currently underway.

Lazarus Barla, Prabodh Tirkey and William Xalxo, accompanied by players who have previously represented India and also members of Hockey Gangpur Odisha, said they have not even been invited to the hockey league.

“I personally feel that Idco and MCL are doing a commendable job for the promotion of hockey in Odisha by purchasing a franchise in the HIL.

We are not seeking passes or free entry because we are in favour of purchasing tickets to cheer my home team Kalinga Lancers. But we could at least be given a formal invitation,” said Lazarus who was the former assistant coach of Kalinga Lancers, the franchise which Idco and MCL have purchased.

Xalxo echoed his views and said it is a matter of concern that after playing for the country at the highest level, he has to give a written letter to OSDPC to get a ticket. “Not only that, I had personally visited the office to prove my identity as an Olympian,” he rued.

The Olympian apparently cooled his heels at Idco for getting tickets for the second match of the Kalinga Lancers. He was asked to give it in writing which he did but even after that, it took the authorities hours to arrange the tickets.

Prabodh, another Olympian, said his heart and soul is always for Kalinga Lancers. “I was the first captain of the team but my contribution for the team appears to have no value. Despite representing the country, we are facing such a plight. Hockey will be history because of these Government officials,” he said.

Secretary of Hockey Gangpur Odisha Debasish Gouda said OSDPC used to provide tickets in the past but this year, none responded despite reminders.

Executive Director of OSPDC Susanta Das said the matter came to his notice today and assured that steps would be taken so that it is not repeated in future.