Training camp to start in New Delhi from 9th March

The much awaited training camp for the Indian men’s hockey players will commence in Delhi’s National Stadium from 9th of this month. Though the probables list is not finalized, 48 or more players are expected to assemble.

This was announced by Ajay Maken, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, government of India.

On a specific query raised by this writer as to how the camp could be organized without naming coaches in the first place, the minister replied that he had requested both factions of Indian hockey (Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation) to come to a compromise on a single coach.

“They haven’t agreed for a single candidate so far. We hope they will agree to, soon” he said confidently.

Sources indicate the Sports Authority of India has narrowed down to its choice of chief coach, which is kept secret.

Indian national team was not in practice after the Commonwealth Games. Though Hockey India conducted National Championship for women, men’s championship was not held. Other than National Games and a couple of All India tournaments, its leisure time for the players.

The minister assured in the press conference that all of India’s international engagements this year, like Sultan Azlan Shah, Champions Trophy and others, will take place despite the feud in the Federation.

It is understood the Ministry is trying to get a common pool of probables for training, meaning players from both factions to be part of the list.

“If need be we will also have another camp in another place, no question of players’ interest sidelined”, said the minister.

The Ministry is in a conciliatory mood, whether it will lead to improve the situation or further confusion is a matter of conjecture.