New Delhi: The tragedy of Indian hockey is not only that it is ruled by an autocratic federation but also that after being the undisputed kings, India slipped from the top echelons due to short sightedness, complacency and refusal to adapt quickly to the rapid changes in technology and strategy.
And it is compounded by a lack of understanding of the problems because of unavailability of literature on the glorious tradition of Indian hockey.
A book on one of the best Indian hockey player - Dhanraj Pillay - tries to address the problems facing the game.
Authored by a senior journalist Sandeep Misra, who has been covering Indian hockey for nearly 20 years and is perhaps as passionate about the game as Pillay is, the book titled Forgive Me Amma is a real treat for hockey buffs.
Forgive Me Amma not only covers the life of Pillay on the turf but also explores his personal side.
It has beautiful anecdotes from the sidelines and not only succeeds in capturing the legend of Pillay, but also documents the tumultuous journey of Indian hockey during the times he played.
"Pillay's passion for hockey was the main reason for writing the book," Misra said at the book launch in New Delhi on Thursday.
Misra sounded confident that his book would go a long way in reviving the glorious tradition of Indian hockey.
"I am sure this book will inspire many a youngsters to wield the hockey stick in the right manner," he said.
Pillay has truly been an enigma of Indian hockey and a book on him will surely go a long way in bringing his persona closer to the aspiring hockey players.
Though he was often seen as a selfish player, particularly in his earlier years but MK Kaushik, who was perhaps one of the few men who could control him, countered it
"He was often misunderstood as he played with his heart. In his early years he would try to do a lot of things alone but that changed soon," Kaushik, who coached Pillay when he played for India, said.
PAGE_BREAK
One of the best centre forwards to play for the national team, Pillay's career peaked when Indian hockey was going though its most turbulent phases.
Born in Kirkee in Maharashtra on July 15, 1968, the mercurial hockey player made his international in Allwyn Asia Cup at New Delhi in 1989 and was one of the best know Indian hockey player till his retirement in 2004 after the Athens Olympics.
However, Pillay's artistry and passion could not win an Olympic medal for India and he retired a disappointed man. He also thanked all those who faced his tantrums but said that he won’t change.
"I thank you all for bearing with me for the last 16-17 years. I think yes, I have been difficult to work with. But I guess people who understood me, could handle me well. I have been little short-tempered and snapped early. I think I'm so even now and will remain the same in future."
Dhanraj recalled how devastated he was after India failed to reach the semi-finals in the Sydney Olympics.
"I had promised everyone to bring home a medal in my last Olympics. We were almost there in the race but drew 1-1 with Poland. I would cry for the next four-five days inside my Games Village room. I could not take calls from my mother, for I had failed her. Sandeep used it as the title of the book. It could not have been more apt," he said.
The image of Pillay with tears flowing down his cheeks after the match against Poland in the 2000 Sydney Olympics would forever rankle the Indian hockey fans.
India drew 1-1 with Poland that extinguished their chances of making it to the semi-final for the first time since the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Comments
0 comment