Hockey community welcomes Government’s refusal for Indo-Pak series.
Unlike a lot many previous occasion — where hockey community always stood for sporting ties between India and Pakistan — mood is totally against the proposed hockey series now.
Dhanraj Pillay, who led India in the 1998 Series when present pak team manager Akhtar Rasool was the PHF president is forthright in his views:
“In the present circumstance government’s decision is unavoidable, it’s a good decision because our Army, which is at the borders, face continuous firing. Government of India, therefore, has no other option that refuse permission to Hockey India for the series.”
Arjun Halappa, who made his international debut in a tournament in which Pakistan participated — PM Gold Cup, Dhaka, asserts country comes first.
“From the point of view of the nation and its security, it’s a correct decision. I know sport is important but end of the day citizen take precedence over sports. Country comes first. I think government has taken good decision. A lot of things are happening right now like Afzal Guru (hanging and its aftermath), terroristd attack in J&K etc etc. India-Pak Series will be a bad sign for our Army who safe-guard us at the border. It will send a wrong signal. I think we should stand by our protectors, that’s the most important thing right now.”
Arjuna awardee, and commentator, Jagbir Singh, too echoes Pillay’s and Arjun’s.
“It’s a welcome move. When we talk about sports and we talk about the sportsmanship and the atmosphere around it should conform that. Now this is not the case. Atmosphere now is not friendly. We may call this as a promotional series for hockey in India or Asia but I don’t see any reasons- any reasons at all why we should be playing in such an atmosphere.”