Singapore Sojourn: Tit Bits Here and there
Part III

It’s tough task for media managers here to get journalists for media briefing. Often one can see three people — two coaches and an anchor on the dais — to answer question of a single journo. On one occasion, the lone journalist was requested to join coaches of Chile and South Africa across the eating table. So, the discussion went on with all of them enjoying cup of tea. Not a bad idea, madam.

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What do the Indian team do for relaxing? Ice bath, an idea by the team’s physio Shrikant Iyenkar.

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After Australia defeated South Korea 3-1, even as the Australian team was warming down on the turf, the goody Australian supporters started ‘Happy Birthday to you’ tune. It’s 18th birthday for Jacob Whetton. The 17-year old was so shy that he almost blushed, did not respond initially. It was long before another player prompted him to make a return gesture that he obliged. Whetton is a good centre-forward.

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After Netherlands and German match, an enthusiastic journalist asked Paul Ass, the Dutch coach as to whom would he like to play in the final. Paul replied, “Singapore”, after the laughter subsided, he reasoned, “because I love this country.” Netherlands and Germany by then had already qualified for the semis.

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Initially, Indian team did not relish the food served at the official Royal hotel. On the request of Indian team management, the hotel sourced food from a Bangladesh caterer, which also turned out to be not so good. Finally, Indian management cornered on a Indian restaurant which supplied food daily. Manager Ghulati says, “Our food is so popular that even other teams made a habit of joining us on the table”.

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An Indian player whom I met in a shopping centre was so downcast that he was almost on tears. “We could not sleep for two days, not ate full stomach for 4, 5 days, actually don’ feel like eating at all”. When I tried to console that it happens in sports, he said ruefully, “We can’t have another Jr World Cup na sir”. As far as my information goes, the team is still unable to come to terms with the fact that they are good enough only for minor placing.

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The Organizing Committee Chairman Kuldeep Singh is a tall, 50 plus, sardarji. He is Director, Custodial Department of Singapore Police Force. He is also vice-president of Singapore Hockey Association. During a party given to the team staff, he was seen signing bills in numbers.

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On 18th night, there was a party. Indian team physio Shrikant Iyenkar turned out to be a good dancer, giving a run for a dancing pro. He really captivated the audience with his steps for kajra re Kajra re of ‘Bunty aur Bubbly’ fame. Russian and Chilean team managers are other popular performers of the evening.

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On one gathering, Indian team manager Ghulati presented souvenirs to Singapore Hockey officials, the restaurant people who catered Indian team, Royal Hotel Chef and others. No other teams did so. Good gesture, winning hearts out side turf too is important PR tool.