World Cup MoU Ceremony: Tit bits here and there

The organizers planned the press conference in such a way most of the items — the announcement of sponsorship, display of world cup trophy – are all kept secret, to be done sequentially. The first backdrop had a set of logos other than the sponsor’s. Hockey India President, IOA Chief and then the FIH Chief spoke in that order. After that the huge backdrop gave way to new one with Hero Honda prominently grided. Even as the backdrop was being changed, World Cup trophy was brought to the stage, much to the applause. Then the MOU was signed. Hockey India president almost to spoil the suspense when he mistakenly read two lines about the sponsorship in his welcome address itself. Thankfully, he realized his mistake within seconds, and managed to say, ‘those things are others to do’

*********************

The World Cup Trophy was led by ubiquitous Ajit Pal Singh, much to the applause of the full house. To witness this grand occasion, Ajit Pal’s full family members were also there. Ajit Pal took photos with them as well.

*********************

Ramesh Kohil is a senior man from Jalandhar. He owns Beat All Sports Co. which manufactures Vampire brands of sports equipment. When asked why did he come all the way from Jalandhar, he said, “I was in Kuala Lumpur when Indian team won the Cup, I kitted them, and the team played with my Company’s stick”.

*********************

Half a dozen 1975 World Cup winning team members graced the occasion. HJS Chimni, BP Govinda, Ashok Diwan, Ajit Pal Singh, Varinder Singh, Harcharan Singh.

*********************

One old player engaging RS Bhola caught the eye as many could not recognize him. The tall figure was none other than Amit Baxi, 1956 Olympic gold medalist. He recently shifted his base from Mumbai to Delhi.

*********************

The hall was tastefully done. Each of the eight pillars had each leading world level player with both face close up and playing position. The players chosen for those giant size pillars are Guus Vogels, Jamie Dwyer, Sandeep Singh, Dilip Tirkey, Santi Freixa, Rehan Butt, You Hyo Sik, Then there was three collages, giant size collages indeed, each one devoted to the theme of Defenders, Midfielders and Attackers. I have not seen such a tastefully done press conference in hockey, though Castrol in the past did fancy things with respect to stage decoration.

*********************

HJS Chimni, the World Cup gold medalist, was seen distributing a signed copies to a few journalists. It was about how three players left out of train concession.

*********************

The World Cup trophy was specially air-lifted from Germany, with insurance and security in place. When I went for a close shot, a security closely guarding it advised me keep a good distance. Good advice!!

*********************

Both FIH President and Hero Honda owner Pavan Kumar Munjal were specially asked to seat on both sides of the World Cup Trophy, given hand phones, to reply the querries of the media. But there were no questions. Many in the media missed the question and answer announcement and thus missed the opportunity.

*********************

It was rather a huge press conference. There must at least be 30 television channels, couple of them did live as well, and about 60 journalists. With around another 40 photographers hockey got a huge media presence. Of course, it is World Cup.

*********************

There were also two brief video displays, first one about hockey, its skill, excitement, with highlights of previous World Cup, Christopher Zeller’s solo goal, Santi Freixa missing a stroke et all.

*********************

The second video was a classic vintage stuff, with all goals of 1975 World Cup and India’s victory forming the content. Ashok Kumar was spoken highly in the video, but unfortunately he was not among those present. His missing was felt by everybody.

*********************