Never doubt MP government’s ability and generosity
Since last five years Madhya Pradesh has earned a good name for itself as a great sports promoter. If one looks at the record, be it forming academies and building sporting infrastructure, organizing events, or even giving a look at the most neglected of Indian sports scenario – honouring sports persons for their achievements – MP government can easily be given 9 in a scale of 10.
Now against the backdrop of ‘reported’ poor treatment to some State hockey teams, this past record of the State need to be emphasized for proper understanding of things.
At best, the ‘reported’ poor accommodation to UP state team could well be the kind of teething problems that hosting a mega events such as National Championship would always involve. It is true that MP Government leaves no stone unturned and has had the kind of organizational ability for which they are known for, such things surprise us — and perhaps constitute perfect jarring notes.
Considering the impeccable record in organizing events the initial hiccups, if true, would have been overcome within no time. One can strongly hope so.
I was present last year for two of the many tournaments the government headed by sports buff Shivraj Singh Chauhan had organized, first for the renewed Obaidullah Khan Cup and then the National Championship on behalf of IHF.
All the teams have been put up not only in decent hotels but also their comforts taken care of. They have been provided top class hotels, which even prompted usually wordy wise Sabu Varkey, coach of the Bharat Petroleum team, to term the organization as the best.
Nearly same was the view of ONGC players. I myself was staying in the same hotel where the BP and ONGC were put up. .
MP Government takes special efforts to promote hockey; number of turfs in the state has increased manifold, cash incentives were given to Indian team whenever they won even bronze at the invitational tournaments, Obaidaullah Khan Cup revived after long spell, tournaments for women organized, Rs. 1 crorer was given to women hockey players when they went on strike last year, the women hockey academy in Gwalior merits top rating, and so on and hence forth.
No one in India so far has given top prize money of Rs.10 lac for domestic tourney, as they have done for the last week’s Obaidullah winners, IOC.
No wonder therefore the Union Sports Ministry awarded MP government for its initiatives, despite being ruled by its opposition political party, BJP.
Each time the Chief Minister organized dinner at his home, and he used to stand at the entrance and receive each one of the invitees, a rare sight indeed.
In the last three years since hockey has been trotted a lot due to factional wars, it is MP government, I repeat it it is MP Govt, that held the domestic hockey flame high.
The mere fact that both Nationals held in the last five years, 2010 and 2011 are their babies, bear out the facts.
MP government is experienced in organizing events, they have done so many in the recent past, let us not let them down. Let us keep faith in them.
I only visualize the ongoing Nationals a huge success, which it is already if number of national media men present there are any indications.