Asian Games Gold: Accolades and Acrimony
India’s win over Pakistan in the finals of the Asian Games hockey is a defining moment for Indian hockey and the events that unfolded after the historic occasion are recapped here.
Accolades:
a. First taste of success was the grand reception for the returning team at the New Delhi airport, though it was late night, media presence and officials enthusiasm was in abundance
b. Right from president and Prime Ministers of India took note of the win that came after 16 years, official statements were sent out, besides appropriate postings in their official social media pages.
c. Hockey India has announced Rs.2.5 lacs for each team member
d. Contingent’s lead sponsor Samsung organized a grand felicitation ceremony with full hockey team in the presence.
e. Normally, the provincial government of Haryana used to hog limelight with heft prize monies but it was not so right now due to election restrictions. Within a week, we can hear a lot of good news from them.
f. Government of Tamil Nadu surprised sports lovers with Rs.30 lac each prize money for PR Sreejesh and Rupinder Pal Singh for their Silver at the Commonweaoth Games, and the same is expected now despite some sudden political changes happening there.
g. Hero, the main sponsor of the Indian Hockey Team is organizing a gala felicitation ceremony tomorrow, much is expected.
h. The Chief Minister of Kerala State did a rare honour by visiting the home of PR Sreejesh, the goalie.
i. Sports Authority of India organized a felicitation function
Acrimony:
Just elected President of Hockey India, Narinder Batra took objection to Ministry of Skills Development, Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India, dropping his name from the contingent to visit Prime Minister on Tuesday morning. This has led to an acrimonious scene in the Samsung felicitation function. For some time now, at least in the run up to the Asian Games, HI has been in logger heads with the Ministry and its arm Sports Authority of India officials on many vital issues.