New Delhi: At the time the Haryana government was pouring out money for the Olympic heroes, Ranjit Singh was cursing his luck at his home in Shahabad Markanda village of the state.
Ranjit is one of the several young hockey stars of the country who were not given a penny for a series of stellar performances in recent past. The midfielder from Haryana is miffed at the fact that the government or corporate houses ignored the feats of the National junior team, especially at a time when the national game is going through a crisis.
The team won the junior Asia Cup in July and also reached the final of an eightnation tournament in January this year. The Indian team, mostly comprising junior players, also made it to the final of the Azlan Shah Cup in May.
“It’s surprising, since we expected that our performance would be recognised. But besides some words of congratulations, nothing more has come our way,” Ranjit told ToI from his home. “The Haryana government handed over cash rewards to those who even made to the Olympics quarterfinals. And some from outside the state also got money. I don’t know why the state simply ignored us,” he added.
Diwakar Ram, the highest scorer in the Asia Cup where India beat South Korea for the title, said lack of support could spoil the effort to revive the game in the country. “Probably some people don’t want the game to grow. How can you pump in money in one sport, and conveniently forget the others? This is sending a very wrong signal as no one would be interesting in playing a sport where hard work and success is not rewarded,” the drag-flicker said from Mumbai, where he took part in the All India Guru Teg Bahadur Gold Cup tournament.
Gurbaj Singh, who led the team in the Asia Cup, said the players were disheartened due to the snubs. “They are demoralised for sure as they asked me about it again and again. I am also disappointed. This has happened at a time when everyone is talking about lifting the game. The junior players are going to represent India in the future. Such a raw deal is surely a big blow for them,” Gurbaj said.
Rajesh Chauhan, coach of the junior team, said he’s finding it difficult to motivate the players after their good show failed to earn them rewards. “No one has inquired about the boys and they are hurt for sure. I don’t blame them, but you tell me where would the motivation come when they are not suitably rewarded?”