Maharashtra Hockey Association demands a hockey ground
A meeting was held by the Maharashtra Hockey Association (MHA) this week in April in Pune, India. Former MHA President, Ellis, demanded that the region requires a hockey ground of its own in order to further develop the sport.
During the meeting, Ellis raised the point that many well-known hockey events are being played in Maharashtra for over seventy years. Therefore, it is high-time to provide the state with a home ground for developing the sport in the region.
He asked the Secretary, Ikram Khan, to speak out loud the minutes of the last meeting held, confirming the first point of agenda, which was kept upfront.
Khan, who was a former team captain of Maharashtra, stated in the meeting about holding the popular Aga Khan Hockey Tournament from May 15-22. This tournament is about 110 years' old and is being planned to be organised on a huge scale, featuring all of
India’s hockey teams. The winner of this tournament will be awarded with the bumper prize worth INR 2.0 million. All the members in the house unanimously approved to the proposed plan.
Many of the young hockey players from various districts are found to be energetic and anxious to be a part of this national championship by representing their respective states. This excitement among the youth was as a result of the decision made by the
government to award special marks to the participating students, allowing them to improve in their studies as well.
The former President added that their suggestions will be placed in front of the MHA managing committee and hope for favourable response.
Meanwhile, a summer coaching camp started from April 18 by the Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) that is being conducted at its own ground, off the Amravati Road.
The camp was inaugurated by BC Bhartia, The VHA President. Until now, a total of 70 players have reported and registered their names for the annual camp.
According to the Association's Secretary, Vinod Gawai, these players will be grouped into six teams that will compete amongst each other in the upcoming event, namely VISAP Golden Cup. This hockey tournament will be held from April 30 to May 8.
In other developments, one of India’s top national hockey tournaments 'All India Dashmesh Hawks Hockey Cup' concluded on April 17 in Rupnagar. This event has been awarded a grade-one status by the Hockey India (HI).
This event was held along with the celebration festival of its Silver Jubilee from April 13 to 17. The event was organised by Rupnagar’s Hawks Club at its own stadium.
Its memorable ceremony was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ch. Swarna Ram, who is the Minister of Technical Education, Social Security and Women and Child Development of Punjab.
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