Preserving a legacy
Lakshmi Krupa
The second Anglo- Indian Hockey Tournament and Hockey Dinner Dance to be in held in Chennai this month promises a lot of action and fun!
The Anglo-Indian community contributed heavily to the sport of hockey between 1920 and 1950, winning six Olympic medals and many international matches for India. It is, in fact, known as the ‘golden era’ of Indian hockey.
However, over the years, most of the Anglo Indians migrated to the UK or to Australia and with their departure from India the community’s hockey legacy ended. However, one Anglo Indian from the city refuses to let go of this legacy.
Harry Maclure endeavors to revive the glory of the community in the field of sport. He says, “Everyone knows that hockey, our national game, is a highly favoured sport in the Anglo Indian community.
Last year we (at Anglos in the Wind, a journal for the Anglo Indian community that Harry edits and publishes) decided to host a hockey tournament.” Harry says.
While last year he had to literally request people to take part, this year, all his team had to do was send out an email. “Thirteen teams from across India, including Kolkata, have confirmed their participation,” an excited Harry adds.
The event is getting a lot of support, with many members of the community offering to volunteer and help organise the event. “We are organising the Second Anglo-Indian Hockey Tournament and Hockey Dinner Dance to pay tribute to the sterling ambassadors of our Community,” he explains.
The event, scheduled for February 17 and 18, will have Trevor Vanderputt, a former hockey coach and author of Hockey’s Odyssey as Chief Guest and Leslie Claudius, former Olympic hockey champion as the Guest of Honour. But that’s not all.
There is also a Grand Hockey Valentine’s Dinner Dance, on February 18, where a book by Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, The Year Before Sunset, will also be launched.