Hockey camp to be shifted to Pune

Bangalore, April 11 2012, DHNS:
Poor turf at SAI South Centre the reason, says coach Nobbs

Miffed with the poor quality of the artificial turf at Sports Authority of India’s Southern Centre here, the Indian hockey team coach Michael Nobbs has decided to shift the camp — both Seniors and Juniors — to Pune with immediate effect.

Although the turf has come in for severe criticism by players, coaches and support staff ever since the national campers assembled here first in July last year, the decision to move to the Balewadi?Sports Complex took shape after a few junior players slipped and fell during a training session on Tuesday. “We will be training in Pune until we go to the four-nation Olympic test event in London in early May,” Nobbs told reporters. “Even upon return, we will not train in Bangalore if the turf is not replaced. I’ve been told that a new turf would be laid, but I am not sure when. With the Olympics just a few months away, I don’t want to risk any injuries.”

“They cleaned the turf as much as they can, but the biggest problem is the scum underneath which makes it extremely slippery. Barring the turf, the hostel here has all the facilities. However, it is too much of a gamble. We’ve been working extremely hard on improving the fitness level of the players. They are in good shape now and I don’t want them to get injured because of the turf.”

It may be recalled that during the earlier camps in Bangalore last year, the probables held frequent training sessions at MEG and KSHA stadiums as they could not practice with full intensity at SAI. Nobbs, who had recommended making Bangalore a permanent training centre provided the turf was replaced, said he had been mulling the Pune move since last week. “I have been monitoring the turf for sometime now. It is just not effective enough. The scum underneath the carpet is coming through. I’ve conveyed my decision to SAI and Hockey India who have agreed to accommodate us there. “

The campers will leave for Pune in batches during the course of the week and will have their first session on Sunday.