IndianHockey

Hockey’s first Rs 1,00,00,000 man

At the height of the HI-IHF wrangle over the fate of World Series Hockey and its players a few months back, Sandeep Singh made a call to Gurjinder Singh. The drag flick expert of the Indian national side had just heard that the 18-year-old, whose penalty corner talents he had held in high regard ever since the two had been part of the national camp in 2011, had just confirmed to play for the Chandigarh Comets in the ‘rebel’ league. “Why did you have to take such a step?” the senior Indian pro asked. “I won’t be playing in the Indian team forever. In another few years you would have got a chance to play for the country,” Sandeep had berated, suggesting that Hockey India might see him as an outcast because of his participation in the unofficial league.

A couple of months later, with a tournament topping 19 goals and Rs 1.125 crore in prize money for his efforts, Gurjinder hasn’t done too badly for himself. The figure isn’t just unheard of in Indian hockey, but even at the world level. Even in the Euro League — a highly competitive professional tournament — the Player of the Tournament earns 5000 Euros (approx. Rs 3.5 lakh). This, for a man who has barely been on the fringes of national selection. One who has never represented the country at any level.

Gurjinder says Sandeep then made another call, a more appreciative one than the previous time. “He not only praised my shooting skills, but also claimed that I had scored more in one tournament than many players had in their entire careers,” Gurjinder says. “Another senior player told me not to worry about my future. He said that all the problems were between the two federations and can’t go on forever,” the teenager adds.

Earnest beginnings

While many of the players who competed in the tournament were ageing or returning from retirement, Gurjinder stood out because of his youth and the potential of his career being cut short at such an early age. A student at the Chandigarh Hockey and Football Academy, he had been a member of the national junior side since 2007, and had also been called to the national camp in 2011 — one of only two junior players retained when the squad was culled to 32.

“I didn’t make it to the national side, but I was selected as captain of the junior team, which was to participate in the Sultan Johor Cup. But a day before the tournament, I picked up an ankle injury in practice. It was a minor injury and the doctor told me it would heal in a few days. Yet, I was dropped,” he says. “I had already signed up to play in the WSH. And because of the suddenness of being dropped from the junior side, I decided to stick by WSH despite the controversies that erupted.” And thanks to that decision, Gurjinder can now count the unprecedented positives that have changed his life for good.

“I hadn’t ever been on TV, so when I did, my friends from the village made plenty of calls to tell me just what they felt,” he says. “Now, even people on the road recognise me. That is a truly amazing experience.” Post WSH, fame has brought along its more rewarding cousin — Indian Oil has signed him as an employee, while he is also currently fielding offers from clubs around Europe.

A different ball game

Not unlike many Europeans, Gurjinder had tried his hand, foot actually, at football before shifting to hockey at a serious level. “Six years ago, we conducted trials in Batala. And that’s when this boy joined us on a permanent basis,” recalls the hockey coach at the Chandigarh Football and Hockey Academy in Chandigarh, Gurvinder Singh. His love for football kept him in perfect physique, something that would soon help with his drag-flicking abilities. “He was the fittest player, a reason Chandigarh won its only Gold Cup,” believes his coach from his junior days.

His days at the Sector 42 sports complex helped immensely, as senior India players such as Rajpal Singh and Deepak Thakur would often train on that turf, and the academy youngsters would practice against them. And almost always, Gurjinder would find a way through the defences of the Indian players. This was when the lad’s ability was spotted by the big guns, but Gurjinder’s talent had already made plenty of news well before he took up the game at a serious level.

Folk tales

A decade ago, Gurjinder had joined the Cheema Academy in Shahbad as a schoolboy, where coach Ranjeet Singh Cheema remembers him as a shy kid, who would not speak much, and train for hours on end. “I can still recall the day he joined in 2002. Gurjinder didn’t even know how to tie the Juda (the turban worn by Sikh children),” Cheema says. “We had 8-10 boys in our academy, and Gurjinder and his brother Jaswinder came to us after they watched a game of hockey in their government primary school. They would often walk from their village in Sangatpur to the academy in Shahbad. It is a long walk.”

Nothing deterred Gurjinder from his goals, not even the fading of natural light. “They would switch on lights on scooters and motorcycles and practice in the ‘floodlit’ academy all night long,” the coach recalls.

Times, of course, have changed rather drastically. But Gurjinder can never forget his roots, or the sacrifices he and his family have made to get to the top. “My father is a farmer, so we never had money growing up. I had won awards before but never so much,” says Gurjinder, referring to his Rs 12,50,000 prize money for scoring the most goals in the WSH and the Rs 1 crore loot for being named the ‘Rockstar of the tournament. “Back in my academy days, I was awarded Rs 10,000 for winning the U-17 school nationals. I had never seen so much money at the same time,” he claims.

“With that money, I bought my first mobile phone, one with a black and white screen.” His first vehicle — a 100cc motorbike, now having clocked several thousand kilometres on the odometer — was financed through similar circumstances. The occasional prize money took care of the down payment, while the careful scrimping and saving of daily travel allowances paid for the rest.

A hard-earned reward

For Gurjinder’s 50-year-old father Sarwan Singh, the crore is still unthinkable, given that he has spent the better part of his adult life earning in the thousands. “With my income, I could only afford to put him in a government school. But Gurjinder wanted to go to a private school, like the rich boys,” the father recalls wistfully. Sarwan, however, believes that it was fate that put him there, as on the very first day of school, Gurjinder returned with an old stick, inspired by the hockey he watched in the playground. “We have only a small piece of land to farm and we earned about 10,000 annually from it. I even doubled up as a daily wage earner at a machine factory in Batala. Thankfully, his coach Ranjeet did not take any fees from us.”

The WSH-riches then, will go towards first mending the basics. And father Sarwan has his laundry list of changes ready. “The roof of our house is a tin one. I will get that cemented pucca,” he says. “I do not know much about money and banks. But these boys have learnt a lot in Chandigarh. I will ask them to buy a piece of land, where we can build a new home.”

For Gurjinder, this current windfall is such that he has yet to come to terms with its magnitude. But the boy does have a fair idea of what he’s going to go shopping for. “It sounds funny when any of my friends calls me a crorepati. I laugh and tell them to wait for the cheque to clear,” he says. “But once it does, my parents want me to buy an apartment. However, what I really want to buy is a jeep and an iPad.

(Source: http)

Gurjinder hits jackpot

Chandigarh Comet’s drag-flicker named WSH Rockstar, earns Rs 1-cr award

Everything seemed to be going according to plan after the Chandigarh Comets had taken a 4-1 lead in their semi-final against Pune Strykers on Sunday evening. But Pune fought back impressively to ultimately win the game through penalty shoot-out, and birthday boy Gurjinder Singh who had by then emerged tournament’s top-scorer along with Pakistani veteran Imran Warsi with 19 goals was left crestfallen.

It was a result hard to fathom for the drag-flicker who had just turned 18. However, he was rejoicing yesterday after being declared the Rockstar of the WSH. And not only that, he just got richer by a whopping Rs one crore! This is a figure unheard of in hockey and naturally, the boy from Sangatpur village in Punjab was overwhelmed.

“The WSH is a great opportunity for youngsters like me. I got a chance to play here and showcase my drag flicks. Junior players should get proper opportunity and the atmosphere to compete and show their talent,” said Gurjunder who has impressed everyone with his abilities.

Gurjinder honed his early skills at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy under coach Gurvinder Singh and Jasbir Singh Bajwa. “I train four days a week, and hit around 250 balls per day in a span of 2 to 2 ½ hrs daily. It involves a lot of hard work,” he said about his training schedule.

Gurjinder who made his junior India debut at the Sultan Johor Cup in 2011 said he was inspired by Jugraj Singh, who triggered a new trend for drag-flickers in Indian hockey in the early 2000s, to try his hand at drag-flicking. “Jugraj Singh and Sandeep Singh are my inspirations. I have been lucky to train with both of them. Sandeep was very suppotive in the India camp and said I would be an asset for any team,” he said.

The village he belongs to is often confused with the place where former India striker Prabhjot Singh hails from, but Gurjinder clarified that it’s just that Prabhjot’s village happens to be nearby. “My village is near to his village, so people think that we come from the same village.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Maken calls WSH the best-ever tournament held in India

Union sports minister Ajay Maken, who watched the final of the World Series Hockey, on Monday gave a thumbs-up to the tournament and called it the best-ever sporting event to be organised in India.

“I congratulate the organisers of WSH - Indian Hockey Federation and Nimbus Sport - for reviving the national game of hockey. This is the best-ever tournament conducted in India,” Maken said after he was introduced to the players of both the finalists.

“The game of hockey as well as the players have benefited the most,” he said.

“My hearty congratulations to Gurjinder Singh, who has emerged as the highest scorer in the tournament. He celebrated his 18th birthday (yesterday) and scored his 19th goal,” said Maken.

The tournament is, however, not recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The world body has termed the tournament an “unsanctioned event”, as it does not recognise IHF as the official hockey body in India and instead recognises rival body Hockey India (HI).

FIH and HI have even threatened players taking part in the event of dire consequences. The tournament involved eight city-based franchise teams and carried a total prize fund of $4 million

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Sher-E-Punjab reigns supreme
NANDAKUMAR MARAR

Sher-E-Punjab’s deadly forwardline overwhelmed Pune Strykers 5-2 in the Bridgestone World Series Hockey (WSH) final on Monday.

V.S. Vinaya, with his tireless display in the defensive and offensive half, scored first for Sher-E-Punjab. Former India strikers Deepak Thakur and Prabhjot Singh were also on target in the big game as the favourite played true to form.

Stunning effort

Prabhjot sealed the victory with a stunning individual effort, darting through the Pune half on a diagonal run into the circle and finishing with a crisp backhander to the roof.

Two breathtaking strikes, a Tyron Pereira field goal and an indirect penalty corner drill executed by Vinaya, stood out in the pulsating first quarter played at the MHA Mahindra Stadium.

Pune’s young forward Pereira bulged the net with an acute angle scoop on the right, looping the ball beyond the goalkeeper adjusting position in anticipation of a cross.

The fourth minute breakthrough was neutralised by Vinaya, who waited patiently as the ball rolled towards him and scooped home.

Pune defenders charged out, targeting Gurjinder and Harpal and then stood frozen for a moment as the trick was played out.

Pune’s semifinal hero Gurpreet Singh stood his ground under the bar, blocking livewire Prabhjot after Gagan and Thakur linked up in a display of telepathic understanding.

Deceptive pass

Gagan deceived the defence with a deceptive pass on the run into space on the right. Thakur read the move to receive on the goalline, cut in and switch to his teammate.

Vinay was a constant threat to Pune’s ambitions, overlapping on the right for passes which were then swiftly relayed into the goalmouth. He also appeared in his goalmouth to foil forwards with timely blocks.

Thakur got into the act in the 33rd minute, anticipating a forward pass from Matthew Hotchkis and slotting home from the top of the circle.

Punjab’s sharper strikers made better use of space and combined better than their hardworking rivals to cross over just a shade ahead 2-1 at half-time.

Pune wrested back ball possession in the third quarter, running with the ball.

Prabhjot sounded the boards finally after numerous on-the-run attempts, this time crashing a backhander past Gurpreet, punishing a distracted rival defence.

The first season champion earned Rs. 4 crore and second-placed team Rs. 2 crore.

The losing semifinalists — Chandigarh Comets and Karnataka Lions — got Rs. 1 crore each.

Gurjinder and Imran Warsi of Chennai Cheetahs shared the Golden Stick award for scoring most number of goals (19), worth Rs. 25 lakh. Gurjinder was also named Player-of-the-Tournament.

The result: Sher-E-Punjab 5 (V.S. Vinaya, Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot Singh 2, Harpreet Singh) bt Pune Strykers 2 (Tryon Pereira, Simrandeep Randhawa)

(Source: http)

Minister Maken says WSH revived India’s national game hockey

Indian Sports Minister Ajay Maken complimented the World Series Hockey with highest acclaim when he termed it has revolutionized Indian hockey.

“Am very happy to note in the last one month the WSH has provided excellent hockey, which I will say has revolutionized our national game”, he asserted.

He in particular appreciated the fact that the WSH proved to be an excellent platform for youngsters.

“I am delighted an youngster, all 18 years, has top-scored in the WSH. That Gurjinder Singh will be getting top scorer award running into lakhs of rupees. WSh has provided opportunity to such youngsters, and as such as a Sports Minister what else can I expect from this tournament?, he wondered.

“I specifically came from Delhi to greet all of you, the organizers, the teams in the finals, and the Nimbus channel and Indian Hockey Federation”, he added.

“I am quite sure many of our players will become rich too, that includes many youngsters such as Gurjinder Singh”, he signed off.

Maken also spoke on the opening ceremony.

Cheif Minister of Maharashtra, Prithiviraj Chauhan was also present to witness the final, to prove the support of political class to WSH

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

COMETS HUNT DOWN LIONS

With ace drag flicker Gurjinder Singh scoring four goals, Chandigarh Comets defeated Karnataka Lions 6-1 in their last league match, at the sector 42 sports complex, their home ground. The local outfit got the better off Karnataka Lions and made it a one -sided affair, during the league match of the World Series Hockey.

With international players like goalkeeper Devesh Chauvan, Arjun Hallappa and Ravipal Singh, the Lions started the match by pressurizing the home team from the right wing. Arjun and Ravi continued to target left full back Robert Green and left stopper Gurjinder Singh, with their speed and soon broke through with success. After some deft stick work, they delivered a brilliant pass to Arjun Antil who had made a run right upto the goal mouth.

But Arjun failed to make it 1-0. On other side, the forward line of the Comets started to penetrate the defense and won two penalty corners but specialist Gurjinder Singh failed to avail both chances.

After the first quarter, coach Harendra Singh shifted defender Gurjinder to right-flank but the speedy duo continued to target him and won the first penalty corner of the game. Drag flicker Sandeep Singh missed the first chance. But he made up for the miss soon after when, with a power-packed second attempt, he put the visiting side in the driver’s seat in the 25th minute. The goal had all the stands up in a roar as the home team continued their fine showing at home.

Just before the lemon break the home team, looking in high spirits, made a comeback with Gurjinder Singh covering up his earlier mistake and scoring the leveler through an awarded penalty corner in the 33rd minute while in very next minute Ramandeep Singh scored a field goal.

The score remained same throughout the third quarter with both teams giving their best to make a comeback in the game but finding little luck in doing so. Later in the fourth quarter, drag flicker Gurjinder Singh showed his class and scored two goals through penalty corners in the 56th and 62nd minutes of the game.

Not only this, the last quarter witnessed more action when Belsajar Horo scored the fifth goal in the 64th minute. He smartly posted the ball into the net after beating the goalkeeper.

During the dying minutes, the visiting side again fumbled and gifted a penalty comer to the home team. Taking full advantage of the foul, Gurjinder Singh again struck and scored his third and the team’s sixth goal in the 67th minute

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Narrow win for Comets Chandigarh Comets scored its second straight win, holding off Mumbai Marines 4-3, in a World Series Match here on Wednesday.

The result: Chandigarh Comets 4 (Ramandeep Singh 3rd, Gurjinder Singh 17th, Mohd. Amir Khan 32nd, Robert Green 69th) bt Mumbai Marines 3 (Xess Banmali 35th, Troy Sutherland 50th, Ajmer Singh 55th).

Thursday’s matches: Chandigarh Comets v Karnataka Lions, Chandigarh, 7 p.m.; Bhopal Badshahs v Pune Strykers, Bhopal, 9 p.m.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Match No. 51 
Day 26: Wednesday 28.3.2012:

Comets book their berth for semifinal

The smile on Chandigarh Comets’ head coach Harendra Singh said it all. Comets had launched their campaign in the inaugural edition of the Bridgestone World Series Hockey with a defeat to Bhopal Badshahs at the same venue almost a month back, but today they became the second team in the league to be guaranteed a place in the semifinals.

In a humdinger here at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, Comets beat Mumbai Marines 4-3. For the first time, Sher-E-Punjab find themselves a team hot on their heels, Comets, who are just behind them on goal average but with equal points (25 from 13 Matchs) . They will be cautious in their last league match, which could decide whom they meet in the semis.

Comets, known for striking early goals to put their rivals on the backfoot and then dictating the course of match, deployed the same strategy against the Marines with initial success but the visitors came bavk strongly to neutralise their three-goal lead, but Robert Green struck the winner from what appeared to be an abortive penalty corner a minute before the hooter, to give the Comets a famous victory and full points.

Winger Ramandeep Singh turned full to tap in a cross from the right flank as early as three minutes to give the Comets a dream start. Thereafter, Devinder Walmiki, with his brlliant interceptions, came in their way to deny them any further leeway.

Penalty-corner expert Gurjinder Singh, who failed in the first three against Walmiki’s athleticism and anticipation, sent his low drag to the left netting in his fourth attempt to enhance the lead. The Marines forwards came charging in the second quarter, and penetrated Comets’ territory with vengeance, but the fitter and faster hosts overcrowded them to deny any elbow room. Comets replied every Marines’ surge with a matching, if not more, aggressive counter attack, often coming close to scoring. Sharp-shooter Amir Khan fittingly deflected an Adrian D’Souza’s rebound to post what at that juncture appeared an assailable 3-0 lead.

The Marines gave an early hint of their intention with a goal in the dying seconds of the lemon time. One of the young finds of the WSH, Vanmali Xess cut a high feed that came his way in the middle of the circle, and then as the ball was falling, he whacked it high to bring life into the contest.

The sharp and shrewd Troy Sutherland reduced the scoreline when in a quick reflex action, he picked up a fast-moving ball that came after a fellow forward unsuccessfully tried to control a high ball, and cut its direction and velocity, to bang in the middle of the net. Sutherland’s superb goal set the pace with each side leaving no stone unturned to test the goal.

Marines, who missed three penalty corners, used the fourth one to finally bring parity. In the indirect penalty corner drill, Sutherland scooped the ball from close quarter, and it hit Gurjinder Singh’s right leg which was overlooked by umpire Savio but the Comets got it right through referral. Ajmer Singh had no difficulty in striking the ball home. The remaining 15 minutes witnessed brilliant hockey from both sides. Green then came on gamely to provide the spark that the Comets needed to script another great win.

Match No. 52 
Day 26: Wednesday 28.3.2012:

Cheetahs turn the tables in 4 minutes

Three goals in four minutes by Chennai Cheetahs against Delhi Wizards was too much to handle for even the thrill-a-minute inaugural edition of the Bridgsetone World Series Hockey!

However, the main difference between both the teams was in playing smart hockey. Cheetahs have probably learnt it the hard way that it pays to wait and pounce on the opportunties rather than panicking under pressure. At one stage, the hosts were trailing 1-3 but came back strongly to rout the visitors 6-4 in a thriller played here at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. The speedy forward Adam Sinclair and Pakistani drag-flicker, Syed Imran Warsi, were their main trump cards with two goals each while Wizards’s Vikramjeet Singh was plain unlucky to end up on the losing side despite scoring four goals, including a hat-trick. He matched Len Aiyappa’s feat of scoring three out of three in his initial attempts in the penalty-corners.

Notwithstanding these personal milestones achieved in the match, the most drammatic and significant outcome is that the Cheetahs are back in contention for a berth in the semis. They have 19 points – one less than the third-placed Karnataka Lions, and are just ahead of Pune Strykers, breathing down their neck. All eight teams have just one match each to play in the league stage.

The match was also billed as a contest between the two penalty-corner specialists, Vikramjeet Singh and Imran Warsi. The former emulated the legacy of Aiyappa, blasting three goals out of his first three penalty corners, and then scored the last goal of the match in his seventh attempt, while Warsi, who woke up late, brought two late goals hitting the top of net to help the Cheetahs neutralize the three-goal deficit. Thereafter, the floodgates were open as the Cheetahs struck thrice in the space of four minutes to usher in a classic victory.

Sinclair tapped a loose ball between his marker Vikram Kant and Philip Sunkel to send a gentle scoop for Chennai’s fourth goal, and in the next minute Vikram Pillay relayed a Kamaldeep Singh’s weak rebound to extend the margin. Within two minutes, Sinclair sprinted into the circle alone, and on confronting the haplkess goalkeeper in the middle of the circle, dodged him to the left, before unleashing a blistering shot into the empty net.

A match that was tenaciously poised at 3-3 till the 61st minute turned out to be one of the most one-sided matches of the WSH, and the transformation was simply unbelievable. Cheetahs, who had lost most home matches, made up largely today with this superb comeback. Not many people would have trusted them to come back after Vikramjeet Singh’s stunning hat-trick in the initial stage. It was yet another local hero, Veerasamy Raja, who brought the home crowd on their feet when the team was passing through a tough phase. Manjit Kullu fumbled with a feed at the top of the circle, and saw Raja retrieving it inches inside the circle to send a fierce forehand that took custodian Kamaldeep Singh completely by surprise.

Raja nearly scored his second goal when he guided a high ball into the net, above the head of Kamaldeep Singh, but umpire Satinder Sharma hesitated to blow the whistle and consulted the third umpire and then pointed to a long corner. The Cheetahs forward took another shy at the goal in the 55th minute but his diving grounder missed the right post, much to the agony of the local fans. Warsi, who appeared off-colour in the last few games, sent a high ball in his third penalty corner drill, after his two low flicks failed to get past Kamaldeep Singh earlier, for Cheetahs’ second goal midway through the third quarter. Three minutes later, he did the same off the fifth penalty corner that Vikram Pillay fetched off the feet of Vikas Sharma on the top of the circle, to bring parity. He brought up the 270th goal of the WSH. Then came the counters from Sinclair and Vikram Pillay, and the match was over within a span of four minutes

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Comets inch closer to semifinals with 3-0 rout of Cheetahs

Chandigarh Comets defeated Chennai Cheetahs 3-0

Harjot Singh shone under the bar as Chandigarh Comets defeated Chennai Cheetahs 3-0 to virtually assure themselves of a berth in the semi-finals of the World Series Hockey, here today.

After taking the lead in the second minute through Mohd Amir Khan, Gurjinder Singh increased the tally when he scored eight minutes later following a penalty corner.

Sukwinder Singh Gabbar made it 3-0 after he scored from a penalty stroke, which was awarded to the Comets for Vikram Pillay’s infringement.

With 22 points, Comets are placed second on the points table, behind leaders Sher-E-Punjab (25).

Chennai Cheetahs failed to raise their game before the home fans and lacked in all departments, including wasting seven penalty corners.

Pakistan’s Syed Imran Warsi failed for the second time running, after their loss to Sher-E-Punjab yesterday.

In all counts, it was a pathetic performance by the hosts and the experiments consistently tried by coach Jose Brasa proved to be futile, while captain Brent Livermore was wasted in the defense.

The important feature of the match was Harjot exhibiting his skills to great effect, particularly against penalty corners

(Source: http)

World Series Hockey: Comets thrash Cheetahs 3-0

CHENNAI: Home does not seem to give Chennai Cheetahs any comfort as they crashed to another loss in their backyard on Monday.

It was Chandigarh Comets’ turn to rub salt into Cheetahs’ wounds, beating them 3-0 in a World Series Hockey match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium on Monday.

Amir Khan, Gurjinder Singh and Gabbar Singh scored for the visitors. With this win, Chandigarh Comets logged 22 points and virtually sealed their last-four berth. Karnataka Lions (18), with two games in hand, are ahead of the Bhopal Bhadshahs (17) and Cheetahs (16) in the semifinal race. Table toppers Sher-E-Punjab (25) have already entered the semifinals.

In the other match played later in the evening, Delhi Wizards demolished Pune Strykers 6-2 . Upendra Pillay, Shakeel Abbasi, Vikramjeet Singh, Victo Singh 2 and Vikramjeet Singh scored for the winners. Mario Nicolas Almada and Vikas Topo reduced the margins for the hosts.

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Facile win for Chandigarh Comets
S. Thyagarajan

Outplayed and outmanoeuvred, Chennai Cheetahs tumbled to its sixth defeat in 12 matches on Monday. The 3-0 reverse against Chandigarh Comets renders the Chennai team’s chances of making the semifinal grade grim in the World Series of Hockey (WSH) now into the home stretch for the final, likely to be in Mumbai, on April 1.

While there was precious little to commend either in the approach work or the defensive competence of the Chennai outfit, the Comets, led by the Pakistani ace, Rehan Butt, showed the grit, determination and the ability to ward off dangerous moments with equanimity to reach the winning post.

Put ahead in the early minutes by Amir Khan, whose opportunism from a well conceived move culminated in the goal, the Comets, coached by the former national coach, Harendra Singh, left nothing to chance. The frontline functioned with methodical efficiency thanks to the incisive moves by Butt and the quick sallies on the left flank by Amir.

Harjot excels

In the mid-field, Malaysia’s Jiwa Mohan showed that touch of assurance in his tackles as did the sweeper, the gangling Aussie, Matthew Philiips. However, a special word for goal-keeper Harjot Singh is not out of place here. Athletic and intrepid he was a picture of confidence in his work under the bar.

That Chennai, possessing in its fold that renowned striker, Imran Warsi, failed to convert even one of the nine penalty corners is a tribute to the performance of Harjot.

Gurjinder Singh lived up to his reputation as a ferocious striker of penalty corners when he enlarged the midway through the first quarter. This was his 12th goal in the competition.

Briefly, Chennai showed signs of a comeback. Propelled by the neat wing play by Vikas Sharma, the attack displayed a veneer of vigour that brought a spate of penalty corners. At one point, Chennai had four of them in succession but the defenders held on gallantly. Only once did the shot by Warsi hit the post and bounced back into play. In control

Expectations that Chennai outfit will pull itself back into the fight slowly evaporated as the tie match meandered in a prosaic format. The Comets controlled the trend and widened the margin in the third quarter. A whiplash of a shot by Gurjinder Singh struck Vikram Pillay in front of the goal. The Canadian Sukhwinder Singh converted without a hint of anxiety.

Clearly weary and unable to do anything constructive, the Cheetahs slowly gave away even as the Comets emerged as a runaway winner.

With an aggregate of 22 points from 12 encounters, Chandigarh Coments can count itself as a prospective semifinalist. On the contrary, Cheetahs is stuck at 16 points from 12. It must be hoping for miracle when it meets Delhi Wizards on March 28 here.

The result: Chandigarh Comets 3 (Amir Khan, Gurjinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh) beat Chennai Cheetahs 0.

Tuesday’s matches: Pune Strykers v Sher-E-Punjab, Pune, 7 p.m.; Bhopal Badshahs v Karnataka Lions, Bhopal, 9 p.m

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

BHOPAL: Bhopal Badshahs made a remarkable comeback to hold second-placed Chandigarh Comets 4-4 in an 11th round match of the World Series Hockey on Saturday.

Down 0-4 in the first two quarters, Badshahs made a spirited comeback and scored four goals in the next two periods to deny Comets full points.

Expectedly it was the team from Chandigarh which dominated the first two quarters pumping in as many as four goals through Sukhwinder Singh Gabbar (8th minute and 20th), Gurjinder Singh (9th), and Amir Khan (30th).

But it was not to be Comets day as Badshahs came out a determined lot in the last two quarters and scored through Affan Yousuf (40th minute), Sameer Dad (47th), Shailendra Singh Bundela (61st, 64th) to share points with the better-placed visitors.

By virtue of this draw, Comets have consolidated their position in the standings and have moved to the second position with 19 points from 11 matches.

The draw also raised Badshahs’ semifinal hopes and they now lie in the sixth position in the tally with 14 points from 11 games.

Badshahs will next host bottom-placed Mumbai Marines here tomorrow, while Chandigarh will travel to Chennai to play third-placed Chennai Cheetahs on Monday

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Gurjinder could be next Sandeep: Rehan Butt

MUMBAI: Former Pakistan captain Rehan Butt, who is leading Chandigarh Comets in the ongoing World Series Hockey, feels the event will have a positive effect on the game in the country, as it has brought many talented youngsters to the fore. Excerpts:

How has been your experience so far?
The experience has been terrific, both on the field and away from it. You have to understand that hockey players have never been treated as professionals before. Not even at the Olympics, which is the highest stage for sportspersons, do players get money for playing for their country. It feels good when your exploits are watched by fans back home, thanks to the live coverage of the matches.

How would you compare WSH with the European league?
I have played for many years in the European league, and have enjoyed my time there. But frankly, I feel a league held over six months is a bit too long for hockey. In comparison, the WSH is shorter and fast-paced. If you look across other sports and take cricket’s example, the shorter format is proving to be more popular these days.

As skipper, are you satisfied with Comets’ performance so far?
I think we were a bit sluggish at the beginning of the tournament, but the youngsters learnt quickly how to play at this level. Even I learnt a lot from playing in the European league. The modern mantra in hockey is ‘give and go’. Basically, it means release the ball quickly and do other things on the field to make an impact. Our drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh is very young, but is extremely talented. He could become the next Sandeep Singh for India. Our second goalkeeper, Jyoti, is just 18, but he has been brilliant. There are many other youngsters who have been very impressive. It augurs well for Indian hockey

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Gurjinder could be next Sandeep: Rehan Butt

MUMBAI: Former Pakistan captain Rehan Butt, who is leading Chandigarh Comets in the ongoing World Series Hockey, feels the event will have a positive effect on the game in the country, as it has brought many talented youngsters to the fore. Excerpts:

How has been your experience so far?
The experience has been terrific, both on the field and away from it. You have to understand that hockey players have never been treated as professionals before. Not even at the Olympics, which is the highest stage for sportspersons, do players get money for playing for their country. It feels good when your exploits are watched by fans back home, thanks to the live coverage of the matches.

How would you compare WSH with the European league?
I have played for many years in the European league, and have enjoyed my time there. But frankly, I feel a league held over six months is a bit too long for hockey. In comparison, the WSH is shorter and fast-paced. If you look across other sports and take cricket’s example, the shorter format is proving to be more popular these days.

As skipper, are you satisfied with Comets’ performance so far?
I think we were a bit sluggish at the beginning of the tournament, but the youngsters learnt quickly how to play at this level. Even I learnt a lot from playing in the European league. The modern mantra in hockey is ‘give and go’. Basically, it means release the ball quickly and do other things on the field to make an impact. Our drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh is very young, but is extremely talented. He could become the next Sandeep Singh for India. Our second goalkeeper, Jyoti, is just 18, but he has been brilliant. There are many other youngsters who have been very impressive. It augurs well for Indian hockey

(Source: stick2hockey.com)

Chennai Warsi’s second home
TN Raghu

There was a deathly silence at the MRK Stadium when Imran Warsi of Chennai Cheetahs was carried off the field after a collision with a Bhopal Badshahs player during a World Series Hockey match on Tuesday.

Chennai fans, however, regrouped soon as they belted out the name of the Pakistani ace. The cries of “Warsi, Warsi” rented the air again when the Cheetah returned to action after treatment on the sidelines.

There was no surprise that the Cheetahs fans have warmed up to Warsi, who has taken the WSH by storm through his deadly drag flicks. The handsome Pakistani is the man with the Midas touch. Warsi has contributed 15 of Chennai’s 32 goals in 10 matches. The drag flicker leads second-placed Gurjinder Singh of Chandigarh by four goals on the scoring charts. Warsi is a red-hot favourite for the golden stick at the inaugural WSH.

Warsi has scored at least a goal in each of Chennai’s four home matches so far. When the Cheetahs endured a poor run at the MRK Stadium, Warsi’s penalty corner prowess gave the fans some solace. It was the Pakistani’s precision that paved the way for his team’s maiden win at home on Tuesday. Barring Chennai’s away match at Bhopal, the Pakistani has scored in every game.

Warsi said he was not willing to bask in the limelight. “Hockey is a team game and the goals of an individual shouldn’t become the talking point. I play for the name (Chennai Cheetahs) printed on the front of my jersey. The name on the back (Warsi) is immaterial to me. The performance of the Cheetahs is more important to me than personal glory. We will continue to do well because there is unity in the team,” he added.

The drag flicker enjoys the responsibility of leading Chennai’s charge. “The event is taxing with a tight schedule. I know my team look up to me to deliver whenever we get a penalty corner. It is difficult to live up to their expectations all the time, but I always give my best. Whenever I pull on a Cheetahs shirt, I feel like I’m playing for Pakistan,” he said.

Warsi said he was moved by the gesture of fans when he got injured in the Bhopal match. “I was energised by the affection of our fans. Without the support of fans, no team can flourish. We have the best set of fans in the WSH. The atmosphere in our home matches is terrific.

The Cheetahs owner L.T. Nanwani ensures that the players are comfortable. I feel completely at home in Chennai. I would love to remain a part of the Cheetahs in the next edition of the WSH,” he added.

Even for a professional hockey player, being away from home can be difficult at times. Warsi felt a twinge of sadness on Thursday (March 22) because it was his wife’s birthday. “My wife is in Russia now and she would have loved to have me around on her birthday. I’m fortunate that I have caring and loving team-mates in Chennai,” he said.

Warsi said he is privileged to have Jose Brasa as coach. “He is one of the best coaches I have played under. Brasa is passionate. At the same time, he never loses his composure. He has certainly brought out the best in me. I will always be grateful to him,” he added.

According to the Pakistani, the WSH has become a huge hit in his native country. “The live telecast of matches on Neo is a boon to hockey lovers in Pakistan. My family members never miss a Cheetahs match. TV coverage and monetary benefits are key to the development of the game. Nimbus has done excellent work to run the WSH,” he said.

Warsi said the WSH would throw up new stars for Indian hockey. “I know how the PHL became a platform for many young players to showcase their talent. The WSH is an even better stage. I see many future stars in the Chennai squad such as Sinclair, Vikas, Raja, Santosh, Sivamani, Ekka and Hamza,” he added.

The bonhomie in the Cheetahs ranks was evident during a practice session at the MRK Stadium some days ago. When Deccan Chronicle photographer approached Warsi for a portrait shot, the Pakistani directed him to Raja, saying that the Tamil Nadu player is the Rajnikanth of the team! WSH action today

(Live on Neo Sports) Pune Strykers vs Mumbai Marines (7pm); Karnataka Lions vs Sher-E-Punjab (9pm)

(Source: http)