Asia Cup: Sports should overcome negative voices

Voices are heard from Pak that their team for both Asia Cup (Aug) and Jr WC (Nov) should not go to India, They opine there will be hostile atmosphere for their players due to recent developments. Both nations have played despite not-so-good atmosphere many times in the past, and no untoward / serious incidents ever occurred. Those who advocate negatively may know India played in Lahore (1990 WC) despite hostile crowd in the stadium. Pakistan team came to India for the2010 WC despite strained relations between the two nations.

Pak team did come for the WC despite some global stars such as Simon Child (NZ) refused to come citing hostile situation in the host country!

I am sure wisdom will prevail with the PHF.

With regards to next month’s Asia Cup, which Rajgir (Bihar) will host, one can easily vouchsafe for safety of any team. It’s the safest venue for any international sporting events. This am saying with sound knowledge of the Rajgir Sports Complex, its location (more so hockey stadium therein) and in-complex lodging facilities there etc. Yes, players movement will be restricted and perhaps strictly managed. They may like to roam free which may be there or not. This happens with every international team nowadays.

Further, I had hands on experience in Dhaka (2016) where Youth Asia Cup was held. India-Pak tension prevailed that time too. All teams stayed in the same hotel. Yes, players were prevented from free movement, police guarding not just their hotel but also room. Three armed police were seen guarding in front of every room! I too stayed in the same hotel but could meet even Indian players only on the last day!!

I was not allowed to meet them by the guarding police troupe.

This is the situation of a neutral venue, mind you.

Those who fancy neutral venue should under this: There was no incident anywhere then in Dhaka – be it in the hotel, stadium etc. Therefore, I wish everyone follows the thumb rule that  sports unite people.

Significantly, the magnanimity of Indian Govt to grant permission for Pak team should be acknowledged and appreciated. We were pleasantly surprised at the speed with which Hockey India could get the Govt.’s nod.

Last word: It is in the interest of their own prospects, Pak hockey should participate in the events and should not be carried by bad mouths, should not offer themselves to be a pawn at the hands of vested interests.

Very significantly, let hockey community should avoid replicating Cricket. Our sports profile does not match them even remotely.