s2h special: Australian Foreign Minister: “Wish to see India in London Games”.

“It was unfortunate that Indian hockey could not participate in Beijing, but it will be great to see the country in London Games.” This is what Stephen Smith, the Australian Foreign Minister told the Indian officials during his last week visit to National Stadium, where the 2010 Hockey World Cup will be staged.

The visiting dignitary also made one good announcement for the hockey buffs in the country. In the near future, one upcoming male and female star will get a chance to improve their skills Down Under at the Australian Institute of Sports, Perth.

The two-week scholarship, announced by the Australian Foreign minister Stephen Smith, who was in the Capital recently, brings back memories of the bygone era.

In the early 60s, Indian coach Balkishen Singh was invited by the Aussie government for imparting training, and it is time we get their help to improve the lot of Indian hockey.

The visiting Aussie minister said it will be on the agenda of the Australian-India Council, and become an annual feature. “every year, the scholarship will enable youngsters chance to further polish skills and also excel at the international level,” Smith had said during his visit to the National Hockey Stadium which will be the venue for the next year World Cup and 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Incidentally, Smith also hails from Perth.

Along with two players, one hockey expert from the country will also get an opportunity to learn more on modern coaching system. The period of scholarship will be same for the coach too, it was also made public by the Aussie minister, who had expressed his satisfaction over preparation for the mega events to be held next year.

Regarding the scholarship, Hockey India president AK Matto, said, it was good gesture on the part of the Australian minister to think good for the Indian hockey. Hoping that the players and coaches will benefit from the short stint, he said, the moment details of the scholarship are available with him, the process of spotting two players and one coach will commence. “I have asked for the details of the scholarship. Hopefully, it will reach our office (Hockey India) soon,” he said.

The discussion on the future of hockey in the country not only ended with scholarship, but Smith expressed his concern over the downfall of the game, saying he would like see India regaining the lost ground and again representing in the Olympics. “It was unfortunate that India could not participate in Beijing, but it will be great to see the country in London games,” Smith told the Indian officials during his visit to National Stadium.

Hockey India’s Advisor Jagbir Singh also accompanied the minister when he visted the National stadium, besides Mr. Mattoo. This stadium is named after Dhyan Chand.

It is perhaps a coincidence that in such a time the mood of Indian public is not well disposed towards Australia – it was because of reported racial discrimination of Indian students in various Australian cities – the minister thought of winning the Indian heart with the hockey sentiments.

Australia even appointed recently an ethnic Indian – Varghese — as its Ambassador for India.

Interestingly, the Minister was also happy the turfs that will be laid in the National Stadium are Australian made.