Hockey juniors out of bounds

LUCKNOW: A lock and key policy was adopted by the authorities as the under-21 hockey probables practiced at the Sports Authority of India Sub-Centre, preparing for the forthcoming South Asian Games in Bangladesh.

Despite the revolt of the senior players on payment issue getting sorted out in Pune, the management here still seemed puzzled and diffident. The scribes were ‘untouchables’ on Wednesday with the gates of the centre being locked for outsiders.

None except the residents and officials were being allowed in, and director Sanjay Saraswat plainly told the media that they were not welcome. “We will call you later at an opportune time,” he said without elaborating much. Coach Clarence Lobo also didn’t interact with the media.

According to Saraswat, the camp was on, but too much prying by the media was not welcome as it would only distract the players at a time when they were preparing for an international event.

But why this attitude? Journalists were welcome till the other day but had turned pariah overnight and the players put under virtual house arrest.

That was mainly because the support shown by the players here towards their seniors who suspended practice in Pune demanding payment of arrears from Hockey India and creating a national furore. The stand taken by young players here helped settle the issue in their seniors’ favour.