A son’s tribute to his father, hockey the gainer

Hockey is in Reehan Ahmed’s genes. His late father, Syed Ahmed, had a distinguished career with ICF and State Bank of India. Equally memorable as his stick work and stylish play was Syed’s passion in promoting India’s national game. “He loved hockey so much that he would go the extra mile to help poor children buy a stick or shoes,” reminisced Reehan, who had played for Railway and Tamil Nadu at the nationals besides representing Indian juniors.

Reehan, a centre-forward in his playing days, had been trying to conduct a hockey tournament as a tribute to his father’s love for the sport. His dream is now a reality: the inaugural Syed Ahmed memorial hockey tournament for Chennai district teams is going along splendidly from July 10. IOB and Tamil Nadu Police are meeting in the final on Sunday. The total prize money on offer is Rs 55,000. “My father passed away in 1993 and I hung up my boots two years later. But the time for the tournament has come only now. I’m delighted at the response the inaugural edition has got,” he added.

The Railway employee managed to get iconic Dhanraj Pillay for the official launch of the tournament and former national captain Jude Felix will be the chief guest on the final day. Reehan has made it a point to honour as many hockey stars as possible throughout the tournament. “The game is all about its players. That’s why the event’s guests of honour are all former Indian players,” he added.

Reehan said he is indebted to his battery of friends for the successful organisation of the weeklong tournament. “I cannot thank Amjad Shareef enough for his moral and financial support. He hasn’t forgotten my father’s guidance during his playing days. Gratitude is a forgotten word nowadays, but Amjad is an exception. Right after arriving from Dubai earlier this month, he has immersed himself in the tournament work,” he added.

Besides gifting two wonderful trophies, which were designed in Italy, Amjad has also contributed a handsome sum as obeisance to Syed bhai. The ever-smiling Amjad, who was good enough to attend a junior India camp, wouldn’t like to dwell much on his support for his friend’s tournament. But his commitment was there for all to see when he rushed to the Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday evening right after his younger brother went through kidney transplantation.

Reehan’s other comrades are Md. Irfanullah and Shaukat Basheer. Irfanullah has given a hi-tech edge to the event by setting up an excellent website, www.syedahmedhockey.com. The comprehensive site has all the details one would like to know about the tournament. “Encouraged by the number of hits the site has received including a few from foreign countries, Irfan is planning to webcast the final. He is doing everything voluntarily. Shaukat is a big donor and a pillar of strength,” Reehan said.
Former Indian player Md. Riaz and his father Nabi, a qualified umpire, are always there to lend a helping hand to Reehan. Young volunteers from Madras-I-Azam School resemble busy bees at the tournament venue. From man of the match cash award to copious refreshment, Reehan has taken utmost care to look after the players.
Buoyed by the success of the inaugural edition, Reehan has started to dream big about the next year. “The second edition will be an all-India tournament. It will be bigger in all aspects. I’m confident that I can do it,” he signed off.

Picture caption: (L-r)Reehan, Amjad and Irfan