Tit bits here and there

Only two journalists are here in Perth to cover the much-hyped Lanco Internatioanl super Series Hockey 9s. One is stick2hockey.com, the second is from Hindustant Times, Delhi, whose journalist’s trip was sponsored by Commune Sports and Entertainments, the organization that marketed the event.

================================

A similar cubicle that I saw ten years ago when I came for the Women’s World Cup is installed again in the same place, backside of the main gallery, for the media. It means you cannot watch and report the game, as this workplace does provide direct view of the ground. However, half a dozen two-seater table are put up on the right side of the main stands for journalists, with internet access. This is from where I report.

================================

Andrew Smith is the Australian (men) teams performance manager, now called Operating Officer. He is from England, applied for Australian citizenship. He previously worked in the England and Wales Cricket Board in England before making it to Hockey Australia.

================================

The opening ceremony in which both Sports Minster and Defence Ministers presented was very simple, devoid of any show piece events. What caught eyes was two aborigine elder couple. The both were introduced to our captains Bharat Chetri and Saba Anjum as they were waiting in the tunnel way before coming to the ground. The elderly couple wore a tigerskins, covering belly, and they were seen showing and describing something to the both for long. “They told it is their traditional wear” later Bharat Chetri told me.

================================

Bharat Chetri was briefly interviewed by ABC Television crew on Wednesday. He gave good answers. He is seen here a mature and affable person by many, he interacts with everyone freely, and importantly available too.

================================

All the captains were lined up for the inauguration ceremony. Pakistan captain was missing, and was represented by former goalkeeper-Olympian Shahid Ali Khan.

================================

Yesterday World Radio here in Perth broadcast their usual 1-hour Punjabi program. There it was announced those who need tickets for the hockey matches can approach Sukhdev Pandher, who was in India for the last two internationals that India hosted, 2007 Asia Cup and 2010 World Cup. There was also call and answer type part, each person who replied correctly a hockey question got a free ticket for the Hockey 9s.

================================

In Rockingham beach area I saw an Indian hotel named No Curries No Worries, I still try to figure out its inviting you for curry or deriving you away.

Bob Claxton is both Secretary General and Treasurer of COeania Hockey Federation. He is seen in all the suburb venues where pre-Lanco test matches were played. He is coming with his family next fortnight to Delhi, for what, his daughter is in the New Zealand Junior team that will figure in the Shastri Junior International tournament.

================================