16 Sep. 2002. On Tuesday there was more than usual quoto of journalists to witness the test of strength between Junior and senior India at the Dhyan Chand stadium. Not that the practice match, a routine affair, has all of a sudden attained an exalted status. The journalists were eager to know Dhanraj’s and other players’ reaction over the former’s charge of groupism in the team. The management has rightly managed the crisis by asking the players to be restraint.

Dhanraj is a veteran player. Whatever he says, has many takers. But, Asian Games just a fortnight away, it is better not to rake up vexed issues which defied a solution over many decades. Dhanraj is our proud possesssion. The youngersters he is surrounded with, are in the learning process, both on and off the field. It is therefore the coaches should play a vital role in seeing that the spirit of hockey is the most valued than anything else. They should not knowingly or unknowingly give an impression of taking sides. Only such behaviour will see the Asiad through.

It’s a personally a painful phase for Dhanraj of his own making. The great player has the uncanny knack of getting over the controversies and concentrate on the game. We only hope the trait continues. India needs Dhanraj and as well as the players who are reported to have a contrived grudge over him. Let us talk about hockey, less about players’ wrangling.

Why can’t they take a cue from the ladies who very silently practice in the adjoing ground. No hype no hoopla, yet history making performance.