When hockey got its due

The setting was ideal and the mood was just perfect, as any hockey lover would have wanted, when the DNA Trophy Inter-school hockey tournament kick started at the Police Ground in Shivajinagar on Tuesday.

Those who feel cricket is the most popular sport in the country should have been there at the venue, as not just the players, but their parents along with school staff gathered at the ground for the matches.

An icing on the cake was former Indian women’s team skipper, Arnavaz Damania’s presence, as she came call the tournament open.

“This is the 4th year that I have come for this tournament and I should thank DNA for giving this opportunity,” said Arnavaz, while the players got down to business.

Apart from Arnavaz, chairman of Guardian Holidays, Manish Sabade also made his presence felt. He praised the efforts taken by DNA to revamp the tournament.

“I would urge other media houses to take up this issue and keep our national game alive,” said Manish Sabade, chairman of Guardian Holidays.

In all, 24 teams were seen in action on the opening day.