Hockey’s enemies back in business — with a bang

Some of them were hockey’s sworn enemies whom KPS Gill came to fight in the early 90s, before he himself became its enemy No.1 later.

Now, those who made KPS Gill a history, resurrects those elements who spelt doom for hockey in the early 90s – they are awake and back.

Sitting in the front row of the press conference on Thursday was former Member of Rajya Sabha, Guffran-e-Azam. He attends a hockey press conference after 1994. He dared not as long as Gill was in the chair.

He was former Selection Committee Chief when India plunged to seventh rank at the Barcelona Olympics. Notorious for ill-treatment of players and coaches, he dropped innovative coach PA Raphael a week before a tournament – because whatever the coach said was beyond his grasp.

Next in the order is elevation of Ajit Pal Singh to Chairman of Selection Committee.

Padamshree Ajit Pal Singh is KPS Gill’s mole in the new dispensation – having supported Gill for all through his 14 year tenure. By that, he had become envious of all selfish Olympians. Every Olympian worth his salt wants to emulate him – easy limelight. It is really pity Suresh Kalmadi did not send him to Beijing Olympics as observer. He needs lot of observation before contributes anything to selection process. It is irony he can be a selection committee member under KPS Gill, but not under fellow player Aslam Sher.

Third is, MP Ganesh. He made a presentation why and how our hockey is in bad shape. Short term for coaches, improper selection and other things were there in his presentation. His views and suggestions lacked credibility because he supported KPS Gill when the whole country was against the tyrant after the Chile disaster. Gratefully, KPS Gill made him the new Selection Committee Chairman. Ganesh also came out openly in support fellow Olympian Carvalho whom the country loved to hate at that point of time. Further, so many wrong things are going on in women hockey, but the treasurer closes his eyes, allowing Amrit Bose to have her say everywhere. Ganesh should have alteast seen whether sponsors money reach the player in time or not, than wasting his time in the IOA.

One fellow who fought KPS Gill in every available forum, at least last four years was Aslam Sher Khan. If you leave out Ashok Kumar, there was none in the 30 odd Olympians assembly who spoke against Gill. Instead they were strong supporters of him unlike you and me.

Is there any doubt the old pals of KPS Gill joined together to ease out Aslam Sher Khan?

When so many players assemble it is normally expected that they will do everything possible to safeguard their folk, namely the players. But see what happened?

They all fell prey to a piece of politics played out smartly by Suresh Kalmadi – sacrifice Aslam Sher Khan for Guffran-e-Azam, as the latter has a vote.

At the same time, old hockey enemy KPS Gill met NK Batra, till recently his bete noir, in Delhi five days ago. The meeting lasted for about two hours! Sources claim he offered Batra Secretaryship if he is willing to take on Suresh Kalmadi. And, also withdraw the case he slapped against Gill. Gossip also has it a Olympian from Mumbai was also part of the secret meeting. Batra’s response could not be made out.

It is worthwhile to mention here that in the case Batra has filed in the court is against IOA and Ministry of Sports also.

So, all hockey’s enemies are active, as usual.