No takers for hockey camp!

Navneet Singh, Hindustan Times

A tussle between Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to grab the reins of the sport in the country has hit the Olympic preparatory camp for women hard. The camp, organised by HI, was supposed to commence in the Capital on Friday, but the dates clashed with the National champions hips being organised by the IHF at Bangalore from April 5.

Little wonder, none of the probables reported for the camp on Day One.

Since most of the top players are gearing up for the Bangalore competition, the Olympic preparatory camp will see a full strength after the Nationals are over, said a national-level coach.

Newly appointed women’s national coach, CR Kumar, was clueless about the “no show” on the opening day of the camp at the National Stadium.

Kumar, who reached the Capital on Friday morning, said, “With the weekend round the corner, the probables will most likely start arriving for the camp by early next week. The picture will be clear by Monday,” he said.

Meanwhile, several Railways players camping in Delhi look set to leave for the Bangalore event soon. “Since I am representing the Railways in the Bangalore event, it would not be possible for me to attend the national camp,” said one of the camp probables on condition of anonymity.

But Haryana-based coach Baldev Singh, who has produced several top women hockey players, is confused about the way things are happening.

“People running hockey in the country should sit down and coordinate before deciding on the national camp dates,” he said.