Gethe fires Customs to victory

Mumbai Custom’s Rahul Singh tries to get past a couple of Navy players

Mumbai Customs did well to absorb the early onslaught from Indian Navy in their opening MHA Super Division League encounter yesterday and eventually triumphed 4-1.

But hold on, they don’t know who their opponents in the next round would be!

That’s because the full schedule of the league is yet to be finalised. “That’s happened because some of the teams are yet to announce their squads.

So I have given them time till the 10th of this month to come up with a complete list. We will ensure that the matches will go on as scheduled by the 15th,” said Mumbai Hockey Association secretary Kehar Singh.

GETHE ON A ROLL

Meanwhile, Customs rode on a brace from Hemant Gethe and a goal apiece by Chingylen and Neeraj Yadav. Striker Gethe in particular was the more impressive of the lot. The 26-year-old has endured a long lay off owing to injury and he felt he will take some more time to attain peak form.

“I got injured during the PHL in 2007 and had my left knee operated upon in May last year. Ever since I have been recovering,” said Gethe who has been with the Customs side for the last four years.

The Maratha Warriors player is wondering what the future holds for him. “When I was at my best I was expecting to at least get a call up for the national camp. But that did not happen. So I really don’t know what to expect from now on.”

He added, “Incidentally, striker Shivendra Singh and I started out almost at the same time for Western Railways in 2004, but he has cemented his place in the Indian team whereas I am still hoping to be called for a camp. So that’s life.”