A Queen Bee inside Boardrooms

OFF TRACK:Anything new excites Generation Next. Its therefore the endevour of all sports promoters, especially the national governing bodies, to deliver new, exciting entities that can pull potentially and exponentially attractive Gen Next.

The League that every sport launches nowadays in India, from Boxing to Beach Volley ball, Golf to Chess, to talk of common Cricket to Corporate Cricket , aims at this elusive, effervescent but energetic target.

To bring young into its fold has been the cherished dream, but unfulfilled task, of hockey’s powers in our country. They know sports is for young and without them there is no progress for the sport they seek to govern.

For a sport as dynamic as hockey – hell breaks on the turf in 70 minutes from the moment the ball is set in motion — it must have been the first choice of Gen Next, how far it was in India is anybody’s guess.

Cine stars as brand ambassadors, beauties of stature of Miss Universe on the sideline reporting, cheer girls on dance on every spectacular moment on the turf, and everything, yes everything are put on platter just to enthuse and entertain eyes and minds of young hearts.

Premier Hockey League, World Series Hockey, and its last avtar Hockey India League did the same.

Somewhere when the organizers who aims to bring the young lot chance upon young enterprenueur, and he or she happens to be as enthusiastic as any youngster would be, but also play a big a pivotal role in starting, running and managing a Franchise, it is the sure case of sone pe suhana.

Diya of Ranchi Rhinos is, yes, our girl in portrayal.

As the first edition of Hockey India League just ended, and the manner it evoked interest in every section, many many things form our memory lane.

At least for this young girl, Diya Chauhan, co-owner of Ranchi Rhinos team that had won the top honours a day ago.

She ventured into hockey anew, no has now even familiar with technical aspects of hockey—thanks to her heartfelt involvement, not just treasury capabilities, with the Hockey India League.

“I had played some hockey during my school days. But now that I am a part of HIL, I watch the game intently and understand the game better,” she opens up to www.stick2hockey.com.

Based in Kolkata, Diya (26) is a rare face in the Hockey India League, where except one Elena Norman who is CEO of the Hockey India, one does not come across any girl or women on top echelon.

The pretty faced, talent laden Diya is the only women to be associated in the admin set-up of HIL. She has been part and parcel of Ranchi Rhino’s team right from conceiving the idea, translating into a Franchise, procuring players, managing the team, bringing professionals into the set up, and virtually every aspect of Ranchi Rhinos.

“It has been a thrilling journey right from the auction day. HIL has been an amazing learning experience for me.”

She is a sports lover. And has varied experiences to boast. This has come handy in being active scion of such a valuable sporting brand as Ranchi Rhinos.

Diya has done Bloukrans Bridge Bungy in South Africa and dreams to trek at Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Why hockey all of a sudden? Pat comes the reply

‘To do her bit to restore the lost glory of the national game’

“We have a glorious history in hockey. The Indian hockey team has won Olympics gold eight times already. However, over the years, the interest in hockey has diminished. I strongly feel that we need better infrastructure and astro-turf stadiums all over the country to promote young budding talents.”

So, does the Ranchi franchisee have any plans in their mind? “I do not want hockey to end with this league. Ranchi Rhinos will continue with a lot of activities all the year round to ensure the people remember the game. In fact, I want the youth brigade to come up and help me with it.”

Diya is satisfied with the way the team has performed. “We played very well. Our players, coaches and support staff have done an excellent job. I am very happy about it.”

Unfortunately, Diya suffered a fracture just before the start of the match and could not travel with the team as often as she would have love to.

“I have attended all the home games but could not travel to other venues. Among all the matches, my favorite was our first match against Jalandhar which we won. How nervous I was that day! Even the inaugural match at Ranchi was memorable. The atmosphere was electrifying and we had a great deal of entertainment, fantastic crowd and a fabulous win to end with.”

“What to talk of finals. We have done it. We have won the Title”.

She likes her team, likes the way they shaped up, liked the title, but hasten not to pinpoint particular player her favourite.

“It is difficult to choose one. We have so many good players in the team.”

That may be for you and me, but when persisted she goes deep into match details. Reminisced she the unforgettable semis of RR against UPWizards.

“It was a do or die situation. Past performances or points did not matter. We started the match pretty well, but they struck back. I was scared as long as the scorecard read 2-2, and it lasted for too long, honestly speaking. That was a scary phase. I was nervous and scared but at the same time kept on believing my team will deliver. I was cheering loudly along with the crowd to motivate the team. Nick Wilson answered our prayers, I heaved a sigh of relief”.

She unwittingly seems to be a fan of Mandeep Singh. “He is a gifted player, superb in his skills, knows exactly where to stand”.

“We are very lucky to have him in our team”.

He detailing of these things naturally tempt us to pose whether HIL
has changed her life? Now, she comes on her own.

“Hockey has now become a part of my life. The perception about hockey among my family and relatives has changed a great deal. Even the kids at my place have stated giving expert comment at the breakfast table.”

And what does this young lady plan to do after HIL?

“The inaugural HIL has come to an end. Its an emotional moment for all of us. I will miss the every bit of the league, from the matches to the players and the Ranchi crowd. It will take some time for us to get back to our normal lives.”

Now that an emotionally charged young lady at the helm of policy making in a successful team brand, Gen Next is not just a target for sports promoters, plain joy for them.

For, Diya like pretty hands know how to do things that bring ilk of their age flock to the grounds.