Reward for a goal is Rs.1000. Penalty for conceding a goal is double of that. Yes friends, believe me, this is the IHF’s reward scheme for Asia Cup Indian team. There is no official communication, press release or anything of that kind, even the IHF secretary here does not know of it. But none other than the chief coach here Joaquim Carvalho said the scheme is on, and it is the brainchild of IHF Chief KPS Gill. Fine.

So now how much worth is the goal? There are 18 players and five officials here. So, each will get about Rs.40 per goal, an amount a player cannot even offer a cup of tea at the hotel where he is staying right now. But the problem is not the pittance, but of different nature. See how it is.

India defeated South Korea famously a couple of days ago. The score was 3-2. Now you take out the calculator and it will let it know the players stand to lose Rs.1000 despite winning the match. This amounts to Rs.80 per player which he has to pay back to the IHF. You win against the reigning Asian Games gold medalist yet you are forced to rue about the success as each player to shell out Rs.80. The IHF boss is a generous man, perhaps he might waive off this amount later, we all hope.

And each player pocketed Rs.40 for defeating Doha silver medalist China!!!

But the silver lining here is the IHF has a vision, and they work out gain and loses based on just a match. They will consider the whole tournament. So, players need not be worried as they have scored 20 goals against Sri Lanka and can easily afford to concede 10 goals, and then six goals against Bangladesh.

Now you understand why India was grouped in the 6-team Pool B instead of 5-team Pool A. IHF is seriously concerned about Indian players making money.

Poor defenders! They will be cursed by the likes of Prabhjoth Singhs and Tushar Khandkars, who earn money for the team even as these Xalxos and Dilip Tirkeys waste it. In turn, Tirkey’s and Xalxos will turn their ire on blue eyed boys of Coach, goalkeepers Baljit and Adrian.