This is hailed as the world best hockey stadium, has three turfs out of which two has floodlight facilities. Right now, both men and women’s national camp are going on. But what happened today on the inaugural day of Government of India’s worthwhile initiative of ‘Come and Play’ is something we, hockey lovers, have to worry about.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ajay Maken, who hails from Delhi, announced a Legacy Plan by which the infrastructure created for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be available to Delhi public. Today was the first day for public to submit forms under ‘First Come First Served’ basis.
The monthly tariff has been fixed very low, Rs. 75 for hockey for instant. Cricket was placed at Rs.500 per month. As per the Legacy Plan, unspecified numbers of public will be given cards and they will be imparted training free of cost by the professional coaches at the stadium.
Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium was hub for both cricket and hockey. From the morning there have been almost 300-400 boys with their parents or alone lined up making it a scene.
Minister made a visit to the stadium and interacted with the aspirants. At one point, he asked the gathering how many of you have come for cricket. Except one person, every others raised hands. When the minister asked the loner as to why he opted to play hockey, he said he has come for cricket. There was laughter, a mild variety, of course.
It was unfortunate hockey got such a lukewarm response on the first few hours on the opening day. The forms will be received for an another week, the training will start May 16th onwards. Things might change, hockey might get its numbers. However, to witness such a nil response from public must be an embarrassment for the minister.
Needless to say we are all concerned.