NEW DELHI: The declining standard of Indian hockey i being viewed with concern by Indian immigrant have settled in the “game playing European countries says Mr T.Sampel liaison officer of the England based Indian gymkbana. “It was embarrassing for us the Asians in England when both India and Pakistan played in the sixth World Cup in London in 1986 While Pakistan has improved its standing considerably by finishing runners-up in the World Cup at Lahore. India continues to occupy an inconsequential position which i an embarrassment to the people of Indian origin in England.
“We have three hockey clubs. One of ‘Our teams the Indian Gymkhana has qualified for the national league by winning all its county matches. But our players are being discriminated against in that country. We can look up with pride if the Indian team performs well in international hockey. We share our Country-men’s concern and want to extend every possible help” says Mr Samuel.
He maintained that about two years back the Indian gymkhana offered to play hosts to India under-20 team for three months in England for its training by European coaches. But there had been no response from the IHF.
Mr Samuel was here to renew the offer. He told newsmen that Indian gymkhana was prepared to train a select under-20 team in England for three months. Practice matches against under-21 teams of England Ireland and other teams besides matches against top country teams would be included in the training programme.
‘The IHF or any other agency would have to bear only to and from air travel expenses. The rest would be taken care of by the Indian Gymkhana.
‘If the Punjab Government starts & hockey academy the Indian Gymkhana would be prepared to send n top European coach on a shot stint to the academy every ‘year Me Samuel paid.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 8, 1991
