Titbits: Here and there, Part 4: My favourite garden goes for a six

England manager Allan seems to be a good journalist, if his diaries in the official websites are any indications. However, he says he only promotes writing amidst his players; he has just retired from Police. “Yes” I am thinking of writing a book now that am retired”, he said to me. Visitors will find it useful if they will browse British hockey website for British players’ blog, diaries etc. My name in the business card interests him as only one word is my name, what about the middle name he asked.

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One constant thing that invites you everytime you reach Azlan Shah tournament is, the mysterious Asian Hockey Federation Newsletter, with Azlan Shah’s image on the first of its 8 pages. Wherever on earth you are, you have to come to Ipoh in case you want to glance this newsletter. This is the tradition. There is one good write up the host city of next Asian Champions Trophy. Earthshaking development in the corridors of AHF, as per the newsletter, is split up Marketing and Finance Committee into two, Marketing separate, Finance Separate. Don’t blame the AHF for that revolutionary thing, they claim it was in line with the FIH. Good pals indeed.

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There was lot of talk here as to the telecast of at least two matches (India Vs Malaysia and India Vs. Pakistan) back home in India. It went on and on, almost there, almost not there, such stuff. Ultimately, it was not. Really surprising when the signals are produced by and for Astro channel here what makes them difficult to make it available for other countries. It looks the cost factor, the quoted rates too high, so Indian channels not interested. If private channels find it costly, then DD should also not purchase because there is a false opinion in the world that India has money for hockey. Even if it is so, the country need not pay excess than what would be the actual market rates.

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The other day I attended the AHF – MHC Hockey Academy launching ceremony. It was held in a hall adjacent to Azlan Shah Stadium where the tournament is going on now. Azlan shah came like a ‘King’ surrounded by traditional line up etc. As usual he did not speak, I am yet to hear his voice in over 15 years. As per the invitation card, FIH President was supposed to be here, but he had already flown to India! The concept is good, now only the beginning has been made. An official explained the infrastructure that will be coming up, but we all lost due to poor audio system. But one thing is certain, it is first time in long long years, AHF took one step ahead in what it announced in press. The launching was announced during last year’s Azlan Shah Cup.

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As usual, there are parents here to support their wards, and they are from Australia. Andrew Charter’s parents are one such. Andrew is making his international debut here in Ipoh, must be feeling great with his parents presence, among other things.

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Sreenivasagam park, a km away from where I stay here, Fair Park Hotel, has complexly changed. Firstly, the tress that dotted the main entrance almost hiding the park from the road side are, cut. The big verdue lawns that lies on both sides of the entry gate have now been converted into two football grounds. Outer fence of the park is missing at places, but quarter of the park is segregated, fenced, re-named as Taman Jepun (Japan Park). I don’t why a park has to be partitioned. The whole park, my delight in the morning, doesn’t not enthuse me anymore. But on last Sunday, there was a peculiar scene. At least half dozen beauties were there, each surrounded by 10,12 camera men, clicking photos madly in different locales. May be part of some beauty contest, not interested to know that. For my hurt soul because of poor maintenance and disfiguring of the park, the beauties gave some momentary relief. Spent half an hour or so, watching the ‘Live’.