Edwards Alloysius was in a difficult situation when he was in Brisbane for the one-month preparatory camp ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
On the eve of the Games, after he had already been presented the India jersey, Alloysius was asked to leave the Olympic Village to make for another custodian — Devesh Chauhan.
A shocked Alloysius gave away the entire team kit and quit international sport almost immediately.
Now this 43-year-old manager in Punjab & Sindh Bank in Hyderabad, who will don the role of manager of the Sher-e-Jalandhar team in the World Series Hockey championship from February 29, feels that his life has come around a full circle.
“That incident is over. I look at this assignment with the Jalandhar team as a huge honour given the fact that the team has many Olympians including Deepak Thakur and Prabjhot Singh and is coached by former India World Cupper Rajinder Singh Sr,” said Alloysius in a chat with The Hindu .
“This 45-day stint with WSH should be a great learning experience.”
And, he is not bothered by the fact that the WSH is not recognised by the international hockey body (FIH). “Let us be practical. There are many players who played their hearts out for the country to bring laurels and did not get anything in return except a sense of national pride.
“But, that alone will not suffice now. The players have to take care of the financial needs of their families too,” he added.
But this former national selector is sad that Hyderabad is not hosting any of the WSH matches despite having a world-class facility in Gachibowli.
“This would have done a world of good to hockey here,” he said. “Why should anyone crib about the concept? It should be looked upon as a platform for the players to showcase their skills and also allow them to gain something financially,” said Alloysius.
“Where were all these gentlemen who oppose the WSH concept when the Indian players representing the country in Olympics and Asian Games were paid a dismal $25 a day and no match fee?” he asked.
