Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service
Nehru Cup Hockey Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in once India’s national sport, has moved from its home in New Delhi to Chandigarh, Shahbad and Gwalior. The 46th edition of the Jindal Steel Senior Nehru Hockey Tournament will be held at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here from November 14 to 25.
In fact, the Nehru Society conducts five tournaments every year. Two each have gone to Chandigarh and Gwalior while the fifth will be hosted by new nursery of women’s hockey, Shahbad Markanda. Chandigarh will also host the under-17 boys Nehru Hockey Tournament from October 31 to November 14.
In progress at Shahbad Markanda is the boys’ under-15 tournament. The final of this tournament that started on October 19 will be held on October 29 at the newly laid astro-turf at Government School in the city of deity Markanda. The society has already conducted its under-17 girls tournament at Gwalior. The fifth tournament, Sail Nehru Champions College Tournament, will also be hosted by Gwalior in February next year.
Started in 1964, the Nehru tournament has had its permanent home in Shivaji Stadium, a central place that has a strong knowledgeable hockey fraternity, emotionally attached to the venue. And for the first time, this community will miss the glitter and excitement of an event that has virtually become a part of their lives.
Incidentally, it was at Shivaji stadium that Indian women’s hockey team won its maiden gold medal in Asian Games in 1982. That performance is yet to be repeated. Talking to The Tribune, Kukoo Walia, Joint Secretary of the Nehru Tournament, said that the purpose of taking out Nehru Tournaments to other cities was to popularise the sport across the country.
Some of the permanent sponsors, including Jindal Steel, Oil and Natural Gas Commission and Delhi Development Authority, have promised continued support to the Committee. Last year, the Jindal Steel Nehru Cup Hockey Tournament for seniors attracted 17 teams, including two from abroad. Indian Colts defeated Bharat Petroleum 3-2 to win the coveted Cup.
Meanwhile, a three-day international workshop for hockey umpires will also be held in Chandigarh. Kukoo Walia, who himself had been an international umpire and now an Umpires manager on the International Hockey Federation’s panel, says that Chairman of the Umpiring Committee of the FIH, Ermanno Silvano of Italy, will conduct the workshop. India’s sole representative on the FIH Umpiring panel, Shakeel Quereshi, will also be among those conducting the workshop. As many as 30 international umpires are scheduled to participate in the workshop to be held on November 12, 13 and 14, Kukoo Walia added.