KSHA is likely to invite more teams for next year’s league

29th Jan 2011: Karnakata Super Division League comes to a close today. Its organizer Krishnamurthy looks back the 22-day event.

“Yes, I am disappointed with the low turn-out of the crowd. We did try our best in doing publicity for the league. We hosted matches under floodlights. On the last day, we have invited Army men to witness last day’s proceedings at the stadium,” Krishnamurthy says.

Talking about the umpiring challenges, he shares that they tried getting five international level umpires for the tournament but it didn’t work out.

“Yes, we do keep getting complaints on umpiring but this is a part of the game. The pressure on local umpires is very high. Players from top-notch teams tend to test the local umpires in the group situation. That is where umpires need to exercise a little restraint,” says Krishnamurthy, himself a former international umpire on officials’ soft approach to players’ rude behavior.

Krishnamurthy admits candidly, “Yes, after the Namdhari incident, I decided to take position on the field in their next couple of games. First match was difficult for me but in the second match, I was able to move faster and position myself much better.”

“Yes, it’s a tuft situation when players are arguing and charging on to the umpire even when the umpire is sure of his decision. At the end of a day, it’s our responsibility,”

On the positive side, he is satisfied the league going well, and some high quality games having been played.

He wishes to get ONGC and Indian Air Force teams, next time.

“Getting all teams from different part of the country at a designated time is always a huge challenge. We are happy that we, as sports administrators, have been able to do our job with fair bit of satisfaction,” he adds.

It may be noted that 11 teams participated in the 22-day event, playing 55 matches (9 under floodlights), a total of 273 goals were scored till the penultimate day, and 40-member officiating panel conducted the event.

Last but not the least, yes, KSHA has got a pat on their back from the management of big teams like Air India, IOCL, Namdhari, etc. for conducting Super Division League to a fairly satisfactory level.

“I was told by one of the participating team officials that come what may, they make sure they don’t miss the KSHA Super Division league. This kind of feedback brings immense satisfaction to me, personally, “says Krishnamurthy proudly.