Defying authorities for the love of the game

March 01, 2012 10:21 pm | Updated March 02, 2012 11:08 am IST - NEW DELHI:

honouring a commitment: Delhi Wizards' Pakistani player Shakeel Abbasi has defied authorities back home in order to play in the WSH. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

honouring a commitment: Delhi Wizards' Pakistani player Shakeel Abbasi has defied authorities back home in order to play in the WSH. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Shaqeel Abbasi loves scoring goals. “I love hockey,” the Pakistan forward says. To play the game he loves, Abbasi took a significant decision to defy the authorities back home and report at the Major Dhyan Chand National here on Thursday.

Here to play for Delhi Wizards in the World Series Hockey, Abbasi lost no time in familiarising himself with his team. He knows some of them. They too! “I am here to play hockey for Delhi. I am sure the crowd would encourage and appreciate,” said the Pakistan forward as he took a break to interact with the media.

It was not just the lure of money. It was the desire to play in India that forced Abbasi to ignore the national camp at home at the risk of being banned.

“I know that threat is there. There could be problems for us. But when we had signed up (for the WSH) there were no legal issues. The PHF (Pakistan Hockey Federation) has been nice to us. We hope the FIH (International Hockey Federation) encourages such events.”

Abbasi, who has led Pakistan, reiterated the “commitment” part. “I had accepted the advance payment and was committed to the WSH. By not coming I would have fallen in their esteem.

“Money was a factor, but it is also true that we don't have any events in Pakistan (to clash with WSH). This is a good event and we can use it for Olympics preparation.” Abbasi pleaded that the authorities keep the interests of the game in mind.

“Hockey should be spared all the legal wrangles. Such events are important for the betterment of not just Pakistan and India but world hockey too. Such events bring money, fame and dignity to a hockey player.”

At home in India

On the tournament, Abbasi noted, “It will bring players of many nationalities together. Money is not everything. Sport creates bonding among players. We have always loved playing in India. We feel at home in India. The crowds like the Asian style. India-Pakistan matches are pressure matches, but they also help a player grow in confidence. It will be nice to have the (top) Indian players in the WSH. They will bring in spectators and more quality to the competition.”

Missing from the Delhi practice were Gurbaj Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh, while Ignace Tirkey, S.K. Uthappa and Sandeep Singh did not turn up for Karnataka Lions.

Delhi plays Karnataka Lions at the National Stadium on Friday (7 p.m.) with the venue far from ready. The organisers could not even provide the players' list on the eve of the tournament and there was no information on the sale of tickets. “We should get the tickets tonight,” said an official. Tickets, hopefully, and spectators too!

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.