Players to finally get their dues
By Mail Today Correspondent in New Delhi
Kalmadi brokers peace between campers &Hockey India
THE crisis surrounding Indian hockey was resolved at last on Wednesday after sponsors Sahara India shelled out an additional amount of Rs 1 crore to be distributed among the players as part of the dues players have been demanding.
Indian Olympic Association ( IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, along with former national captain Dhanraj Pillay, met the striking players at the Balewadi complex in Pune and after a round of negotiations, announced that they will return to training on Thursday morning.
“ I assured them full support. The players will resume training at 8: 30 am tomorrow.
I’ll be there and as it will be the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, I will also distribute sweets,” Kalmadi, sitting with all 22 campers, told a press conference after the meeting. “ Hockey has been our national game. It can never be a national shame. It will be our national pride. The players all feel that they want to bring up Indian hockey.” The players too were happy that the six- day crisis was over. “ We are relieved today.
We were happy that everything has been settled and now we can concentrate on our preparations for the World Cup,” goal- keeper Adrian D’Souza said.
The players, preparing for next month’s World Cup in New Delhi, had revolted last week saying that they would not train until they don’t receive their entire dues and incentives for the last year.
Earlier in the day, team sponsors Sahara India announced that they have released an extra Rs 1 crore to be shared between the players.
“ In the genuine interest of the national hockey players, Sahara India Parivar has decided to pay immediately Rs 1 crore in suspense account to Hockey India, only for distribution among the players so that they can peacefully and happily practice and play for the country,” the company said in a statement. “ Sahara will go through the past accounts of Hockey India and shall take suitable decision for this amount.” Kalmadi said all the dues will be released within seven days and a players’ welfare development fund will be created. Pillay has been made in charge of this fund. There will be another committee to look into Hockey India’s finances.
“ No player will be targeted ( for the revolt). They have done it within the decorum. I will also tell the next Hockey India president to agree to the players’ demand,” Kalmadi said. “ I have given them assurances, and they are satisfied.” Despite the stand- off, some positives have come out of the situation, felt Kalmadi.
“ From every crisis, there emerges a solution. The team unity shown during the dispute could only be beneficial at the World Cup,” he said. After the players raised their problem, several corporates have come forward with offers to help and Kalmadi said it was a good sign. “ I’ve spoken with Bajaj Allianz in Pune. The governments of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have also expressed their willingness to help and I’m also speaking to the Maharashtra government.” Coach Jose Brasa was also happy with the developments.
Though the settlement to the vexed issue is a welcome development, some sticking points remain. It is no secret that Kalmadi is eying the president’s post in the reconstituted Hockey India. He would now surely try to take credit for solving the crisis. While the striking players had asked for a written assurance from Hockey India president AK Mattoo that their demands would be put before the proper Hockey India that is elected after February 7 elections, they were surprisingly satisfied with only a verbal assurance from Kalmadi.