Raghubir Singh Bhola, who was appointed as Government Nominee in February replacing Ajit Pal Singh, has been removed recently and in a comical case of aya ram gaya ram, Ajit Pal Singh was reinstated. In effect, Bhola was there for about two months, and in that time submitted a good report, a roadmap for Indian hockey development. In fact, after seeing the report only he was asked by the Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SK Arora, to become a government nominee.

Now Bhola is furious. I was asked by IHF Secretary Jothikumaran for the trail of senior boys selection in Bangalore for Australia tour. I refused him in writing. I told him that he should first give him details of players, scientific data on their physical parameters, and at least three days before the trials so that I can witness all of them in action. My fax did not get the reply, so I did not go to Bangalore.

But I wrote to the Secretary asking him for what purpose the team is going to Australia, and whether all shortcomings found out during the Chile tournament are rectified? Perhaps they did not like me asking questions. I in fact questioned why the ministry gave a consent to the tour, as its purposes are not clear. Expectedly, the team finished fourth in a four nation tournament.

I was again asked to go to Sonepat where the development team is under practice. I went there and I was told to witness the trails which went for just one and half hours. How can I spot their talent in one session? This was the view of other three selectors who came here as their employers asked them to go and select team. But I stayed purposely for a night there in the hostel to get a feel of what exactly is going on and what type of food is served there. I found to my dismay everything is wrong. Such a hot place it was the players don’t even have coolers in their room, and the food served was just mediocre. I was told the coach will give his choice of players and that team will go to Sultan Azlan Shah tournament. What is this, and why this drama of selection committee, to fool whom?

I am also not impressed with the boys, and their game. They are only ordinary stuff and not of international quality. I prepared five forms and gave to players to fill up so that the shortcomings in the camps and other aspects could be identified.

I am confident that my actions were not taken into account before I was removed. someone should explain me whether they want someone who asks questions or merely sign on somebody else’s paper?