KSHA up in arms against Namdharis

Bangalore: The Namdhari violence on Sunday, which sparked outrage in the hockey fraternity, got an adverse official remark a day later with the Karnataka State Hockey Association declaring that the team is no longer welcome in Bangalore.

Tournament director Palangappa was emphatic in his demand on Sunday that the team be banned from all competitions in Karnataka but pointed out that his recommendation would need the backing of the KSHA executive council during its meeting on October 20.

Now, it seems as if the whole process will be a mere formality if the simmering anger among KSHA officials is anything to go by.

Even KSHA secretary K Krishnamurthy, whose belief in moderation during extremely trying times is well known, said the Namdharis’ reputation had sunk to such depths that they did not deserve to be part of the league.

“It is unfortunate that the incidents were incited by their own manager,” Krishnamurthy told TOI. “The boys are young and talented and need to be moulded well. But with Didar Singh as their mentor, I don’t think the team will be welcomed anywhere.”

The Namdharis had a particularly forgettable tournament this time, unable to control their temper as well as their downward spiral in the league. But what came as the proverbial last straw was the quarrel they picked with umpire Arun Babu in their match against Fortis on Sunday.

The free-for-all saw the umpire and other officials suffer injuries even as they tried to instil sense into the rampaging team.

Krishnamurthy felt the Namdharis had inculcated all the bad habits a team ought to have steered clear of. Harsh, abusive language, vengeful attitude on the field, disrespect for officials and absolute irreverence — attributes which point to poor values and an indulgent management which has preferred to turn a blind eye everytime the team made a nuisance of itself on the field.

The fact that the Namdharis have been repeatedly warned during or banned from tournaments hasn’t had the desired effect.

Didar came perilously close to being ejected from the Murugappa tournament a few months back for being too vocal and disruptive. Mumbai slammed its doors on the team after their utterly despicable behaviour in the Bombay Gold Cup.

A few years ago, the organisers of the Nehru tournament were shocked to see them target two of their own players who had joined Indian Oil. A ban, inevitably, followed. Krishnamurthy said he wouldn’t mind discussing the issue with Namdharis chief Uday Singh.

“At this rate, the Namdharis will be friendless. It is tragic because Uday Singh has done a lot to promote the game in the country, as well as groom these players. It’s time he cracks the whip and appoints a coach and manager who believe in discipline. Until then, they will be not be welcome in Bangalore or anywhere else in Karnataka.”

Till such time, it looks as if the Namdharis, who returned to the Super Division after a year’s hiatus, will have to find another place to ply their wares.

Says Palangappa: “It’s not my view alone that they have to be banned. We in the KSHA are deeply hurt because our own officials had to bear the brunt of Namdharis fury. I am sure that in the meeting many of us will demand the ouster of the Namdharis from Karnataka.”