Titbits here and there: Now you will get emails everyday

German captain and HIL star Moritz Furste sustained a nasty knee injury in the match against Netherlands. When he was brought on stretcher, Argentina coach Carlos Retegui also joined the carriers. As it was passing through a narrow path between spectators and turf, some spectators clapped for Mortitz. Carlos waved them for more and got a vociferous applaud in return. Good sportsmanship from player turned coach.

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As a novelty, two parallel lines of cracker-pots were fired for opening match (India-Argentina) o enter the field on short running. The teams entered cinematic fashion. That day VIPs Chief Minister and Governor and HI President were also taken similarly. The same spectacular entry was again provided for another set of teams-obviously involving India. In one of the stadiums in Delhi even putting victory dais is forebidden as it ‘would spoil’ the turf. Here, even clinkers fall and no damage is seen.

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Germany’s new coach is Valentin Altenburg. He was till then junior Germany team coach, promoted to fill the gap created by sudden exit of Mark Weiss. Mark moved to costly assignment in football. When a journalist requested Valentin for email, and when he was obliging, Indian chief coach Roelant Oltmans smilingly alerted his German counterpart: Now you will get email everyday!

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A small incident was blown up on the opening day. A cowboy was throwing stone at a cow smashing a glass of Argentina team that returned from the stadium after defeating India 0-3. It seems on return Argentina captain too tweeted about it. Director General of Police appeared on local television to say it was not stone pelting but only a freak incident. Meanwhile, a Pakistan fan posted on our website’s facebook page (Jai Ho Indian Hockey) below that match’s score card: Defeat India and get stoned.

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Jamie Dwyer will not play this year Hockey India League. Surprised? He says he will talk to his buyers Uttar Pradesh Wizards on this and will inform them. It seems Olympic year tells on everybody. Incidentally, he was sold for less prize. Is he sulking?

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Historically, Indian hardly any modern Canada team left the shores without Indian origin players in it. They use to be Goan or Punjabi in origin. This team in Raipur is no different. There are four Indian origin players in the Canada squad, two each from Punjab and Goa.

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Andreas Spack guarded the cage against India on Saturday. He is almost seven feet tall, perhaps world’s tallest field hockey coach. When he stands inside cage, his helmet almost touches the top bar, a sight to be seen and believed. Unless one draws him out, goals cannot be struck.

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There were too many obstacles for media on the opening day. VIP security further compounded the matter. All of a sudden blue-shirt wearing civil guards descend on the sidelines of turf, and did not even allow mixed media zone to function. It was against the original proposal of FIH and HI. They were also surprised. There was no provision for hot drinks in the run up days, but all things fell in line once the opening ceremony is over. Media room, though small functions well now.

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Mrinal Choubey is the lone men’s star of Chhatisgarh State. He won silver at the SAF Games besides gold at the Hyderabad Jr Asia Cup. Obviously, he is sought after by local media. He pens a signature column and also appears a 30-min TV program daily.