London Titbits: “I had tears in my eyes” says SV Sunil

Team savours Indian food:

Players from India and Pakistan hockey teams are enjoying their time out at the Olympic Games. The Athletes’ Village is a stone throw away from the humongous Westfield Mall, and the team members are often seen hanging in there for a quick bite and occasional shopping. Besides, there is no dearth of Indian food at the Village and the players enjoy it to the fullest. “It is good to find daal, roti and rice at the Village dining area. It is quite a relief after a month in Europe on only pastas and bread,” said midfielder Gurbaj Singh.

Ever-green Hyo Sik: The diminutive Korean striker, Hyo Sik, is again in the news. He struck twice against New Zealand to give Korea a great start. Ever-green Hyo, only Korean player who can speak English, played in the various European nations’ leagues and also Australian league. He also played in the now defunct Premier Hockey League. Incidentally, Korea was the lone winner from Asia in the opening day. While Pakistan drew Spain India went down to The Netherlands 2-3. Korea is truly the flag-bearer of Asian hockey.

Former players on small screen: A lot of former players are visible on television screens nowadays, despite some famous of them are now in London on Government of India’s guest. Jagbir Singh in IBN –CNN, Samir Dad in P 7 news, Pargat Singh in India Today Network etc are notable of them.

SV Sunil meet Kobe Bryant: He may have rued his favourite athlete Rafael Nadal’s absence at the Olympic Athletes’ Village – the Spanish tennis star missed out owing to form and fitness issues – but it was a dream come true for Indian hockey striker when he met Kobe Bryant of the US basketball team on the Opening Ceremony night. The basketball star has been among the most sought out athlete at the London 2012. Said Sunil, “I had tears in my eyes. To be at the same platform, with everyone representing their respective countries, is was quite something. I think it is the best part of being at the Olympics. “I met Kobe Bryant during the opening ceremony night and it was a special moment,” said the 24-year old, who is taking part in his first Olympics.

A grand gesture: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan threw a party to felicitate Ashok Kumar on the eve of his departure to London. Nice to see a Chief Minister so involved with hockey. Olympian Ashok Kumar is also hockey consultant to government of MP.

Why Harendra Breaks down: In one of the interviews, former India coach Harendra Singh broke down. He was discussing about Sandeep Singh and became emotional when describing how he groomed him in the formative years. Sandeep played under his coaching for many junior engagements including Junior Asia Cup which India won in 2004, and then Sandeep Joined Indian Airlines where Harendra was manager / coach.

Columns, Columns, everywhere: It was a rare sight to see three hockey personalities penning signature column in one paper. This strange thing was observed on the opening day of the men’s hockey event. Times of India brought out chief coach Michael Nobbs, Dhanraj Pillay and Jude Felix columns, all in one page. Great going guys.

Santi in news in Ananthpur:
Santi Freixa, the Spain captain, has a lot of Indian connection. He not only played in the PHL, but also visits India often to be part of stick for India project, which is run by his colleague Andrew in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh. Their facebook page follow Santi’s London Progress, they even published him undergoing treatment after he got injured in the first match, against Pakistan. Hope he recovers soon and make Anantpur happy.

Beeline to meet Bolt: Mention Usain Bolt, and many are ready to “sprint” to get a glimpse of the Jamaican legend. The world record holder was the cynosure of everyone’s eyes at the Athletes’ Village, for the two days he stayed there. “There was always heavy security around him and even top athletes from the US and Australia queued up to click a photograph with him,” said an Indian hockey player. “Many of us too wanted to meet him, but it wasn’t easy.”